This research project investigates the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2020 U.S. elections, exploring the relationship between the pandemic's toll and voting behavior at the county level. Against the backdrop of the United States facing the highest global numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths, coupled with widespread economic disruptions, lockdowns, and business closures, this study analyzes shifts in voter perception and behavior leading up to Election Day. Specifically, the research examines how the number of COVID-19 deaths in the hardest-hit counties influenced voting patterns.

Data for this study were retrieved from the General Social Survey (GSS) and the Nationscape survey, both comprehensive sources that capture a wide range of social and political attitudes. The research addresses key questions, including: How did the COVID-19 pandemic reshape voting behavior and perception at the county level? Did counties experiencing higher COVID-19 death tolls witness notable changes in voting perception, and if so, what were the contributing factors? Additionally, the study explores whether the electoral outcome, particularly President Trump's defeat, can be linked to the impact of COVID-19 deaths in counties situated within battleground states. By integrating insights from the GSS and Nationscape survey data, this research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between a global health crisis and the democratic process at a localized level during a pivotal moment in U.S. history.