Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, lives up to its name in the 2024 election. With 19 electoral votes, it stands tied with Illinois as the fifth most influential state in the Electoral College, trailing only California, Texas, Florida, and New York. As the only one of these states in play for electoral votes this year, Pennsylvania is critical in determining the next president, making it a hotbed of political activity and a must-win for both major parties.
Recent polls suggest that Democrats have a slight edge in Pennsylvania, but there’s no room for complacency. The current margins are narrow and within the margin of error – or, as some call it, the “margin of effort.” This means that every vote counts, and every effort matters.
To understand why Pennsylvania is crucial, let’s look at the electoral math. Securing Pennsylvania is almost non-negotiable for a presidential candidate to reach the 270 electoral votes needed to win. If Democrats lose Pennsylvania, we would need to make up for it by winning multiple Sunbelt states where Trump currently holds an advantage. Conversely, preventing Trump from winning Pennsylvania significantly limits his potential paths to victory. As noted in a New York Times article titled “How Harris Has Completely Upended the Presidential Race, in 14 Maps,” the dynamics of the race are shifting, and Pennsylvania’s role is central to these changes. Pennsylvania is not just a battleground; it’s the biggest in-play prize on the map.
The importance of Pennsylvania goes beyond the presidential race. The state’s down-ballot races are equally significant in reclaiming the House and holding the Senate. Political momentum and voter engagement in Pennsylvania can impact candidates at every level. Like bicyclists drafting behind one another to conserve energy and maximize efficiency, political campaigns can benefit from collective efforts and party momentum.
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Indivisible Acton Area’s Shaw Yang was in Pennsylvania a few weeks ago. He said, “It feels so rewarding talking to the incoming U Penn freshmen and registering them to vote. It is their first time voting, and they may become lifelong voters.” As we push forward in this critical election period, our allies are organizing additional trips and outreach efforts to strengthen our position. They have planned for driving and housing logistics. Shaw has already signed up to return to Pennsylvania and encourages you to join in one of the opportunities below.
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Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes make it a key battleground in this election. The stakes are high, and the path to victory for both parties runs through the Keystone State. Every vote, every effort, and every tactic is crucial as we approach Election Day. Make sure to add Pennsylvania to your activism list!