How was the election decided?

The election was decided through a combination of popular votes and the Electoral College system, where each state allocates its electoral votes based on the outcome of the popular vote within that state. The candidate who secures a majority of the electoral votes—at least 270 out of 538—wins the presidency. Additionally, key swing states often play a crucial role in determining the overall outcome due to their unpredictable voting patterns. Ultimately, the decision reflects both the collective preferences of voters and the strategic dynamics of the electoral process.