A battleground state is defined as:

A battleground state is accurately defined as a state with a close contest between political parties. This means that neither of the major political parties consistently wins in that state, making it a critical area for campaigns and political strategies, especially during elections. These states often receive a lot of attention from candidates because their electoral outcomes can significantly influence the overall results of a presidential election. The competitive nature in battleground states arises from demographic diversity, varying political beliefs, and fluctuating voter trends, leading to elections that can swing either way, depending on voter turnout and engagement.

In contrast, a state with guaranteed electoral votes for one party would not be considered a battleground, as it presents a predictable outcome that undermines competitive campaigning. Similarly, a state where one party dominates does not qualify as a battleground for the same reasons, as it lacks the close contest that characterizes battleground states. A state with no clear political preference could be interpreted in various ways, but it generally does not capture the essence of a battleground state, which involves a nuanced competition between parties rather than total ambiguity in political leanings.