2020 Presidential Election Basics
The 2020 U.S. presidential election determined the next president and vice president. Voters chose electors for the Electoral College on November 3, 2020. The major candidates were incumbent Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.
Results and Certification
Joe Biden won the Electoral College with 306 votes, while Donald Trump received 232. Biden also won the national popular vote. Congress certified the Electoral College results on January 7, 2021, after counting objections from some Republican lawmakers.
Context and Aftermath
The election took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected voting procedures and campaign activity. Multiple legal challenges were filed after the election, and courts reviewed claims of irregularities. For a summary of the official results and process, see the Federal Election Commission page.
