Swing state

A swing state, also called a battleground or purple state, is one where the major parties have roughly equal support, so the winner can change from election to election. Because most states award all their electors to the statewide winner, a few close states can decide the presidency, and candidates focus their time and money there.

Which states count changes over time. In recent presidential cycles the list has included Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, while states like Florida and Ohio, once central, have moved toward Republicans. Analysts identify them by recent margins, polling and demographic trends, and campaigns respond with advertising, visits and organization.

Defenders of the Electoral College say that the focus on swing states forces candidates to address a mix of voters. Critics say it leaves voters in "safe" states ignored and gives disproportionate influence to a handful of states, and cite it as a reason for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The label is based on presidential races, and states can be competitive in statewide races even when they vote for the other party for president. Compare a bellwether.