Preliminary national exit polls from Edison Research reveal that nearly 75% of voters in Tuesday’s presidential election believe American democracy is under threat, highlighting the significant concerns raised by the contentious race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.
Top Voter Issues: Democracy and Economy
The polls indicate that democracy and the economy were top priorities for voters, with about a third citing each as their main concern. Abortion and immigration followed, receiving 14% and 11% of voter focus, respectively. Among those surveyed, 73% felt democracy was at risk, while only 25% believed it was secure.
Deepening Divides in the United States
This data underscores the heightened polarization within the country, which has intensified throughout this closely fought campaign. Trump’s campaign has been marked by strong rhetoric and unverified claims questioning the electoral system, while Harris has emphasized unity, warning that a second Trump term could undermine the democratic foundation.
Mixed Favorability Ratings for Trump and Harris
The exit polls also show that 44% of voters view Trump favorably, a slight drop from his 46% favorability rating in 2020. Harris is seen favorably by 48% of respondents, close to but slightly lower than Biden’s 52% favorability in 2020. Harris aimed to draw strong support from female voters to balance her lower appeal among male voters, with women making up 53% of this year’s electorate.
High Stakes and Historic Potential
This election season has been marked by notable events, including two assassination attempts on Trump, Biden’s unexpected withdrawal, and Harris’s fast-tracked political ascent. Trump, who has a history of claiming victory without evidence and whose supporters attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, cast his vote in Palm Beach, Florida, stating he would concede if the election were fair.
Harris, who voted by mail in California, used part of Election Day to encourage voter participation and planned an address at Howard University, her alma mater, reflecting on the historical significance of the day.
Key Battleground States and Historic Milestones
Results in seven pivotal battleground states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—will ultimately determine the winner. If Harris, 60, secures the presidency, she would become the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian American to hold the office. Conversely, a Trump victory would make him the first president in over a century to serve non-consecutive terms and the only one to have been impeached twice and criminally convicted.
Senate and House Control Still Undecided
Control of both the Senate and the House remains uncertain, with Republicans currently holding an advantage in the Senate. Democrats, however, are defending seats in traditionally Republican states, making the House race too close to call. Voter turnout insights from exit polls offer a glimpse into changing demographics but may not fully reflect the outcomes in these critical states.
