Final answer:
A presidential candidate might avoid campaigning in a state with a large number of electoral votes due to strategic considerations, apathy among voters, and the winner-take-all system used in most states.
Step-by-step explanation:
A presidential candidate might avoid campaigning in a state with a large number of electoral votes for several reasons:
- Winning certain states is more critical to winning the election: If a candidate can secure the majority of electoral votes by focusing on smaller states where they have a higher chance of winning, they may prioritize those states over larger ones.
- Apathy and lack of competition: In states where one party has a clear majority, members of the opposing party may feel that their vote won't make a difference. This can result in lower voter turnout, making it less beneficial for a candidate to invest time and resources in campaigning in those states.
- The winner-take-all system: In most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote receives all of that state's electoral votes. This can discourage candidates from campaigning in states where they are already expected to win or have a low chance of winning.