In an election that was contested by 2 candidates, one candidate got 20% of the total votes and yet lost by 600 votes. What is the total number of votes cast in the election, assuming all votes are valid?

1000

Let the total vote be 100x

The winner received  = 80% of 100x = 80x

The Loser received  = 20% of 100x = 20x

Difference = 80x - 20x = 60x

Value of 60x ≡ 600

1x = 100

100x ≡ 1000

Total votes = 1000