Mapping Election Results

A color-coded map of how different states voted in the 2004 U.S. presidential election was probably the most common graphic used to convey the election results in a single picture by the news media. The following graphic by CNN uses color to highlight the states that "switched" parties. CNN: 2004 Election Results by State The New York Times had a more informative map that took into account population density.

1 minute read

November 5, 2004, 8:57 PM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @legalaidtech


A color-coded map of how different states voted in the 2004 U.S. presidential election was probably the most common graphic used to convey the election results in a single picture by the news media. The following graphic by CNN uses color to highlight the states that "switched" parties.




CNN: 2004 Election Results by State




CNN: 2004 Election Results by State





The New York Times had a more informative map that took into account population density.


"This map removes mostly uninhabited areas, revealing Mr. Bush's suburban and rural support in the East and South. "






New York Times: 2004 Election Results By County and Population




New York Times: 2004 Election Results By County and Population



The New York Times website has an interactive feature summarizing the election results. Here is an interesting pair of graphics from this feature that explains in a single picture the distribution and results of the electoral votes.




New York Times: 2004 Election Results By Geography




New York Times: 2004 Election Results - Electoral Votes

New York Times: 2004 Election Results - Electoral Votes



Abhijeet Chavan

Abhijeet Chavan is the co-founder and former co-editor-in-chief of Planetizen and the executive producer of Planetizen Courses. He was also the chief technology officer of Urban Insight, Inc., the technology consulting firm that operates Planetizen. Abhijeet Chavan has over 20 years of technology consulting experience working with government, higher education, legal services, and non-profit clients.

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