ELECTORAL VOTES 9

2008 ELECTION Swing State

ABOUT
COLORADO

Colorado gained statehood in August 1876. Although surrounded by “red” (except for New Mexico to the south) and despite the fact that it has voted Republican in all but three elections since World War II, Colorado is considered a swing state due to the independent nature of the electorate. In 2004, George Bush defeated John Kerry by 4.7%, the fifth closest outcome of the 31 states won by the incumbent president. Colorado’s population has been growing, and it has gained an additional electoral vote after three of the last four national censuses. The state now has nine electoral votes.