
The Swing
A "swing" refers to a change in political support or voter preference over time, typically between elections. It indicates how many voters shift their allegiance from one political party or candidate to another, impacting election results. These fluctuations can be influenced by various factors like economic conditions, policies, leadership, or current events. Politicians and analysts closely monitor swings to gauge public opinion and predict future election outcomes. Essentially, a swing reflects the dynamic nature of voter sentiments, illustrating that support isn't fixed but can move, making elections competitive and unpredictable.