COVID-19 May Be an Election Game-Changer

Could COVID-19 impact the results of the presidential election? As the coronavirus spreads throughout the country and the presidential election nears, some states facing economic and healthcare issues may play a big factor at the polls. 

The Bulwark reports that the presidential election could come down to three states: Nevada, Michigan and Georgia. 

For Trump to keep his job, he will have to win the states he did in 2016. But if as few as two states flip, the country may have a new president, according to the article. 

Nevada, Michigan and Georgia all face drastic unemployment and healthcare issues related to the pandemic. With casinos shuttered, car sales down and the cancellation of major spring sporting events and conferences, all three states are dealing with economic struggles.

The pandemic also will leave these states with a shortage of hospital beds and thousands of deaths, according to a University of Washington model used by the White House. 

Another factor that could play a role in the election is voter turn out from minorities. With recent reports indicating COVID-19 is affecting African Americans at a disproportional rate in some cities, the issue could drive voter turnout. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that African Americans make up 14 percent of the state’s population, but account for over 40 percent of the states COVID-19 deaths so far.  

In 2016, Trump won Michigan by 11,000 votes. It is a state he needs to retain, yet he has been critical of GM CEO Mary Barra and the company’s response to making ventilators and its plant. He also feuded with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Twitter after she asked the federal government for more supplies. 

The president had more success in 2016 Georgia, winning by 212,000 votes. But without the Masters Golf Tournament and Final Four, the airline, tourism and restaurant industries are reeling. Those factors combined with a higher minority population in Atlanta, could impact how the electoral college vote goes.

Hillary Clinton took Nevada by a small margin of 1.6%. The state, heavily reliant on travel and tourism, is taking a beating with unemployment claims and loss of revenue from the casino and sports betting industry. After a homeless shelter closed because social distancing inside became impossible, people are sleeping in a parking lot. 

What remains to be seen is if the newly unemployed will voice their opinions at the polls come November. 

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