What is a swing state?

• A. A state with a long history of voting for one party.
• B. A state with a close or unpredictable race that could determine the overall outcome.
• C. A state that votes only in presidential elections.
• D. A state with the highest turnout.

Answer: (B)

A swing state is a state where the election outcome is uncertain and could tip the overall result. In presidential contests, most states lean toward one party and are predictable, but a swing state has a relatively even mix of support and can go to either side depending on voter mood, campaign effort, and turnout. Because the total electors hinge on these pivotal states, campaigns focus heavily on them and closely watch polls, since a narrow win there can determine who becomes president. The description fits a state with a close or unpredictable race that could determine the overall outcome.

A state with a long history of voting for one party is a safe or solid state, not a swing state. A state that votes only in presidential elections isn’t accurate, since states participate in many elections beyond the presidential race. A state with the highest turnout isn’t defining what makes a state swing-level; turnout alone doesn’t determine whether a state could swing the overall result.