On Election Day 2016, the polls had pitched Hillary Clinton ahead with nearly a 6% point lead in Wisconsin, however, defying the readings Republican Donald Trump went on to win the state by less than a point and just 22,748 votes. 

With the victory, Trump became the first Republican to win in the midwestern swing state since 1984 and eventually went on to occupy the office. 

Just a week away from the 2020 Presidential Election, the polls yet again offer a similar narrative with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ahead of Trump by an average of about 5 points in Wisconsin according to RealClear Politics. 

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Come November 3, Wisconsin — along with the key states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Florida and North Carolina –will play out as a crucial strategical outpost which both the parties will be looking to sway over. 

KEY FACTORS:

The tragic shooting of Jacob Blake

On August 23 this year, Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old African-American man, was shot by police officer Rusten Sheskey in front of his three children in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. 

The shooting invoked a major outcry against systemic racism and racial violence across Wisconsin and eventually the entire country. 

The incident angered, frustrated and will inspire the Black community to come out and vote against these acts of violence making it a key factor in this battleground state.

The raging COVID-19 situation in Wisconsin

As per The New York Times, the state of Wisconsin has been one of the worst-hit in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With over 209,000 cases and 1,814 deaths, the handling of the coronavirus might be crucial for sealing the Wisconsin battle.

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Trump has vehemently criticised for his actions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, which might pull down his popularity in the region.  

POPULATION READING:

As per the US Census 2019 readings, 87% of the population in Wisconsin is white and only 6.7% is black or African-American. Given the slim percentage of the Black population, the factors of racial injustice and racial violence might not be as vital as the Democrats would prefer. 

Slightly more than half of the population is female. 

Only 29.5% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher in the Midwestern state.