Pennsylvania Voters Reveal Top Election Issues As 2024 Voting Begins

Inflation and cost of living are the top issues for Pennsylvania voters headed into Election Day, according to a new poll from the Commonwealth Foundation. 

The survey, taken between September 26-29 of 800 registered voters, found that inflation/cost of living, immigration, and general economic concerns were the top issues for Pennsylvania residents. Across all parties surveyed, 71% said they were worried about their ability to pay for their energy needs. 

“The higher prices people are paying for gasoline, electricity, and other energy across the board are shaping their views as voters look to the impact of these issues on their pocket books as their chief concerns,” Commonwealth Foundation Senior Vice President Erik Telford said during a press call Tuesday. 

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When surveyed on their top national issues, Pennsylvania voters said inflation/cost of living (20%), immigration/border security (12%), and the economy in general (9%) were most important to them. Abortion, an issue Democrats have focused much of their campaign efforts on, was only the top issue for 5% of those surveyed. 

The poll also found Vice President Kamala Harris with a 50%-46% lead over former President Donald Trump. Her lead was propelled in part by a surge in enthusiasm for Harris among Democratic voters after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, the poll found.

Biden’s popularity in Pennsylvania is still underwater, with just 43% approving of his performance and 55% expressing disapproval. 

More broadly, polls in Pennsylvania show a tight race between Trump and Harris, virtually tied at 48%, according to an average of polls. Telford said that the deciding factors in November would be candidate messaging on inflation and energy and turnout among independent voters. 

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“A key factor will be how well candidates define themselves around financial and economic insecurity issues driving voter behavior,” Telford said. “Candidates and elected officials must remain aware of the economic and financial pressures on individuals and families. Policies that make things worse or threaten their financial futures will get little support.”

In Pennsylvania’s high-stakes Senate race, incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey held a 49%-38% lead over Republican challenger Dave McCormick. Republicans are spending big money backing McCormick, with an estimated $113 million allocated to elect him between Labor Day and Election Day. 

Overall, voters were pessimistic about the direction of Pennsylvania (57%) and the country (68%).