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Image courtesy of Penn State University Map Library.

The presidential primary season is underway, and election season means election maps. So start thinking in shades of red and blue, because the state-by-state dynamics occurring now will largely determine the final color scheme to be emblazoned in our minds and on our t-shirts.

Cultural geography has a decisive impact on the race to the White House. The U.S. is an expansive, populous country with a system of united but largely independent states, each with its own unique character and political leanings. Ultimately, the Electoral College system ensures that even the smallest states will have a voice in the final polls. Whether in the forms of “bumps” or setbacks, the votes cast in the first few primaries and caucuses will influence attitudes across the country through next November. It certainly makes for an exciting, geographically intriguing spectacle!

This election is slated to be one of most intense ever, a horse race to the finish. But don’t just listen to the opinions and [mis]predictions of the pundits: Stay tuned into the action with these great, geographically-oriented tools. Before the event in Michigan tonight, read how local-level geography impacted each candidate in Iowa and New Hampshire. Then, continue to follow along with this interactive map, available on the National Public Radio website. Click on a state for information on past primary outcomes, “fun-facts,” and links to local news sites. The Online NewsHour is another excellent resource. Check out their feature “Big Picture Cities” which adopts an even more localized perspective. Currently, they’re talking about Las Vegas, Nevada.

Start exploring now, and see if you can predict how geography will factor into the final election results!

Sarah for My Wonderful World

 

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Comments

[Bones]

Hey!,

Great Post, I loved the way you wrote a hooker in the begining of the peace, "start thinking in shades of red and blue" That really got me into the artical.

I can tell you have put in alot of efort into this, know how?, because of all of the links. I think it was neat to go and look at the map. That was a cool way to get your veiwers more into the election.

- Bones

[Sarah Jane]

Beatrice,
I'm sorry you felt North Dakota was not appropriately portrayed in the story. If you have a comment regarding a National Geographic Magazine article, I suggest you write a letter to the editor of the print or online editions. They welcome reader feedback! http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/ngm.html

My Wonderful World, while largely supported by the National Geographic Society, is not directly affiliated with the magazine.

[Beatrice]

Shame, shame National Gographic!! I am really disappointed about you North Dakota Story. You could have focused on the great things, like the great people, low crime rates, one of the best places to raise a family. But no. Not you. You focussed on old farm buildings. That's not like you guys. I hope that you do not live in a glass house

[Sarah Jane]

Hi Josephine,

Thanks for your interest in My Wonderful World! In encouraging our members to seek out knowledge about the world, we hope that they will use that knowledge to act as stewards on behalf of its invaluable natural and cultural resources. We applaud your progressive efforts toward environmental conservation.

[Josephine]

I am really happy about this website. I will link it to my blog, please visit it and feel free to comment and tell me what you think!
great job.
hugs from Switzerland
Josephine