This week’s cover

Everyone wants to know whether Donald Trump will return to the White House. Yet few understand the intricacies of the electoral system that will decide if he does. This week we published a detailed analysis, not of the broad trends that might affect the vote, but of the peculiarities of this year’s race. How likely is it that a third-party candidate will tip a crucial swing state? Or that Mr Trump’s criminal trials will sway undecided voters, or fire up his supporters? Or that age will hobble either President Joe Biden or his slightly younger rival? There could be big surprises between now and November.