Why are battleground states crucial in elections?

Battleground states play a pivotal role in elections primarily because they often determine the outcome due to closely divided voter support. These states are not solidly in favor of one political party or another, meaning that both major party candidates invest significant resources—such as time, money, and campaign efforts—in them. The competitive nature of battleground states stems from their ability to swing either way in elections, making them essential for candidates aiming to secure the necessary electoral votes or to win a popular vote.

High-stakes campaigning occurs in these states as candidates focus on persuading undecided voters and motivating their base to come out in larger numbers. In essence, the results from battleground states can be decisive in reaching the electoral majority, which is why political strategists closely monitor these areas during the election cycle.