What is meant by the term "battleground state"?

The term "battleground state" refers to a state where both major political parties—typically the Democrats and Republicans—have similar levels of support among voters. This close competition means that electoral outcomes in these states are often unpredictable and can swing either way during elections, making them crucial for candidates aiming to secure enough electoral votes to win the presidency.

Candidates and their campaigns focus significant resources and attention on battleground states because winning them can be decisive in a close election. In contrast, states that are guaranteed to vote for one party or that vote in a predictable manner do not receive the same level of focus since their outcomes are less uncertain. Therefore, it is the competitive nature and the potential for either party to win that defines a battleground state.