Election exit polls show economy, immigration and democracy among voters’ top issues

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Most voters in the United States seem to have a negative view of the country, with worries about democracy and the economy being the two main issues, according to early exit polls.

Around 75% of those polled expressed dissatisfaction with the current direction of the country, reflecting trends observed in recent months. Nearly 29% of respondents reported feeling angry, based on exit poll data from NBC News.

In general, 35 percent of voters identified democracy as their top priority, while 31 percent chose the economy as their primary concern. Abortion was highlighted by 14 percent of respondents, and just 11 percent placed immigration at the top of their list.

Although many believed that abortion would be a priority for female voters, only 20% indicated that it was their main concern.

According to the exit polling data, immigration was identified by men as their primary concern, which was a bit more than the percentage of women who felt the same.

Voter anxiety about democracy reflected the bleak sentiments expressed by many. About 75% of voters feel that democracy is under threat, a worry that Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign connects to the actions of Donald Trump.

According to exit polling data from NBC News, voters who supported Harris identified worries about the state of democracy as their primary concern. Additionally, these voters ranked abortion as their second most significant issue, aligning with another key focus of the vice president's campaign.

At the same time, 50% of Trump supporters identified the economy as their top concern, while 20% highlighted immigration as a key issue.

The ex-president has persistently argued that immigration is the primary issue for voters, rather than the economy, even though surveys suggest otherwise. He has assured voters that he will carry out widespread deportations of undocumented immigrants if he wins another term.

The majority of voters indicated that their choice of candidate was influenced by the individual’s leadership skills. About 25% stated they opted for someone who could bring about change in the country, while approximately 21% highlighted the importance of choosing a candidate with sound judgment.

Exit polls are surveys taken right after people have voted. Interviewers usually ask voters which candidate they selected, the reasons behind their choice, their main concerns, and some demographic details about themselves.

These provide news outlets and political commentators with insights into election outcomes prior to the release of official statistics.

The information from exit polls can shift during the evening as additional results are received.