The 2024 US presidential election is focusing heavily on swing states, where early exit polls are giving insight into voter preferences. Exit polls from seven critical battleground states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—reveal a close contest between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump, with Harris showing a slight lead.
According to preliminary results by Edison Research, about 47% of voters in these states hold a favorable view of Harris, while 45% view Trump favorably, marking a slight shift from 2020 when Trump’s favorability was 46%.
Exit Poll Highlights by State:
– North Carolina: Trump’s favorability stands at 43%, down from 47% in 2020, with 55% viewing him unfavorably. Harris’s favorability is 48%, slightly below Biden’s 50% in 2020.
– Nevada: Trump has a 47% favorability rating, down from 48% in 2020, and 52% view him unfavorably. Harris has a 44% favorability rating, significantly lower than Biden’s 52% in 2020.
– Georgia: Trump’s favorability remains steady at 46%, with a slight decrease in unfavorable views to 52%. Harris received a 49% favorable rating, close to Biden’s 50% in 2020.
– Arizona: Both Trump and Harris have a 46% favorability rating, with Trump’s down from 48% and Harris’s close to Biden’s previous 49%.
– Michigan: Trump’s favorability remains at 45%, with 53% viewing him unfavorably. Harris’s favorability is at 48%, slightly below Biden’s previous 51%.
– Wisconsin: Trump has a 44% favorability rating, up from 43%, while Harris is viewed favorably by 47%, down from Biden’s 52%.
– Pennsylvania: Trump’s favorability remains at 47%, with his unfavorable rating slightly lower at 51%. Harris’s favorability is at 46%, down from Biden’s 50%.
Importance of Swing States:
These swing states, holding a combined 93 electoral votes, are crucial for either candidate’s path to the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. Historically, states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin have been pivotal, flipping to Trump in 2016 and back to Biden in 2020. Securing these states is essential for Harris, while Trump aims to reclaim his former office by winning them back.
These exit polls underscore the tight race and shifting voter perceptions, highlighting the potential impact of each state in determining the overall outcome of the 2024 election.
