What defines a 'swing state'?

A 'swing state' is defined as a state where there is relatively equal support for both major political parties, meaning that it can be won by either party in an election. This characteristic makes swing states crucial for candidates during presidential elections, as they can determine the outcome in the Electoral College.

Swing states do not consistently lean toward one party, which distinguishes them from states that have a strong partisan identity. The concept of a swing state reflects the dynamic nature of electoral politics, where voter sentiments can shift from one election cycle to another. This status can lead to more intensive campaigning and resources being allocated to these states, as candidates aim to sway undecided voters.

In contrast, states that consistently vote for one party would not be considered swing states, and calling a state with high voter turnout a swing state ignores the critical factor of balanced political support. Electoral votes are assigned to states based on population, so a state with no electoral votes would not qualify as a swing state in terms of influencing national elections.