2020 United States Presidential Election Controversies
Background
The 2020 United States Presidential Election was held on November 3, 2020, with the primary candidates being incumbent President Donald Trump of the Republican Party and former Vice President Joe Biden of the Democratic Party. The election was marked by numerous controversies and disputes, many of which were unprecedented in modern American political history.
Pre-Election Controversies
Mail-In Voting
In the months leading up to the election, the issue of mail-in voting became a significant point of contention. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many states expanded their mail-in voting options to allow more people to vote without risking exposure to the virus. Critics, however, raised concerns about the potential for increased voter fraud, despite numerous studies indicating that voter fraud is extremely rare in the United States.
Voter Suppression Allegations
Allegations of voter suppression also surfaced in the lead-up to the election. These allegations primarily focused on the perceived efforts to limit voting access, particularly in minority communities. This included the closure of polling places, stringent voter ID laws, and purges of voter rolls.
Election Day
On Election Day, millions of Americans cast their votes either in person or by mail. Despite concerns about potential violence or intimidation at the polls, the day was largely peaceful. However, due to the high number of mail-in ballots, it was clear that the final results would not be known for several days.
Post-Election Controversies
Vote Counting
In the days following the election, as mail-in ballots continued to be counted, President Trump and his supporters raised allegations of fraud and misconduct. They claimed that the late-arriving ballots were illegitimate and that the counting process was biased against them. These allegations led to numerous lawsuits in various states, though most were dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Legal Challenges
The Trump campaign launched legal challenges in several key states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona. These lawsuits alleged various forms of misconduct, from illegal vote counting to violations of state election laws. However, the vast majority of these lawsuits were dismissed by the courts, often due to lack of evidence.
Impact
The controversies surrounding the 2020 election have had a significant impact on American politics. They have further polarized the political landscape and have led to widespread doubts about the integrity of the American electoral system. Despite these controversies, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021.