The 2020 election is predicted to be one of the most contentious in modern history, with numerous political trends emerging that could impact the election outcome. Ten surprising trends to watch include a surge in the youth vote, a shift in suburban voters away from the Republican Party, rampant voter suppression, social media playing an even bigger role in political campaigns, a widening gender gap, the Hispanic vote being up for grabs, record voter turnout prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, independent voters playing an increasingly critical role, the virus’ impact on the election and money being a game changer due to the pandemic’s economic impact. These trends are expected to have a significant impact on the outcome of the election and the direction of the country going forward.
10 Surprising Political Trends to Watch in the Upcoming Election
The 2020 election is shaping up to be one of the most contentious in recent history. As we approach November, there are numerous political trends emerging that could have a significant impact on the outcome of the election. Here are ten surprising trends to watch as we head into the final stretch.
1. The Youth Vote Is Surging
Young people have historically been less likely to vote than any other demographic. However, there is a growing movement among Gen-Z and millennial voters to become more politically active. In fact, data shows that voter turnout among young people surged during the 2018 midterms, and this trend is expected to continue in 2020. If enough young people turn out to vote, they could impact the outcome of the election in a big way.
2. The Suburban Vote Is Shifting
Republicans have traditionally held a strong support base in the suburbs. However, recent data shows that suburban voters are turning away from the GOP in droves. This shift can be attributed to a growing dislike of President Trump and an increasing desire for suburban areas to distance themselves from the polarizing leader. Democrats may be able to capitalize on this trend and make significant gains in suburban areas in 2020.
3. Voter Suppression Is Rampant
There have been numerous reports of voter suppression tactics in recent elections. In 2020, this trend may be more prevalent than ever before. Some states are passing strict voter ID laws, closing polling places in predominantly minority areas, and purging voter rolls. These tactics could have a significant impact on the election, particularly in key battleground states.
4. Social Media Will Play a Big Role
Social media has become a major player in political campaigns in recent years. Candidates are using platforms like Facebook and Twitter to connect with voters, raise money, and spread their message. However, social media also presents significant challenges, including the spread of fake news and misinformation. In 2020, social media is likely to play an even larger role, as traditional campaign events are canceled or curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. The Gender Gap Is Widening
Women have traditionally been more likely to vote Democratic than Republican. However, recent data shows that the gender gap is widening, with women becoming even more unlikely to support the GOP in 2020. This trend can be attributed in part to President Trump’s problematic comments and policies related to women and women’s rights.
6. The Hispanic Vote Is up for Grabs
The Hispanic vote has traditionally been a stronghold for Democrats. However, recent data shows that this demographic is becoming increasingly diverse and hard to predict. Some Hispanic voters are turning away from the Democratic party due to the party’s lack of action on immigration reform. At the same time, others are becoming more politically active and could turn out in significant numbers to vote against President Trump.
7. Voter Turnout Could Set Records
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every aspect of life, including elections. However, there are indications that voter turnout in 2020 could be higher than ever before. Many states are adopting mail-in voting, which makes it easier for people to vote without risking exposure to the virus. At the same time, the contentious nature of this year’s election is likely to motivate more people to vote, particularly in key battleground states.
8. Independent Voters Are Critical
Independent voters make up a larger portion of the electorate than ever before. While these voters do not traditionally align with either major political party, they are critical to winning elections. In 2020, independent voters are likely to play an even larger role, as partisan politics become increasingly polarized.
9. COVID-19 Could Change Everything
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on every aspect of life, including politics. It is likely that the virus will continue to affect the election, particularly in terms of voter turnout and campaigning. In addition, the pandemic has put a spotlight on issues like healthcare and income inequality, which may influence how voters cast their ballots.
10. Money Will Be a Game Changer
Elections are expensive, and the 2020 election is no exception.Both candidates have raised an enormous amount of money and are likely to spend unprecedented amounts on advertising and campaigning. However, the pandemic has created economic uncertainty, which could impact how donors choose to support campaigns. In addition, there is growing concern about the influence of money in politics, which may motivate some voters to support candidates who reject big-dollar donations.
Conclusion
There are numerous political trends shaping up as we head into the 2020 election. Some of these trends, like the surging youth vote and the widening gender gap, are not surprising. Others, like voter suppression and the impact of COVID-19, are more unexpected. Regardless of how the election ultimately plays out, one thing is clear: these trends are likely to have a significant impact on the outcome of the election and the direction of the country in the years to come.