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The 2024 election is now less than one month away. Here are a few key insights from the CivicScience Election Mindset Tracker exploring where Americans stand as we enter the home stretch in the race for the White House and control of Congress:
Nearly Half of U.S. Adults Followed the Harris-Trump Debate Live
Last month’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offered Americans their first (and likely only) head-to-head look at the two leading candidates. CivicScience data show close to 1-in-2 U.S. adults tuned in to follow the debate live, while others report they watched or followed updates afterward, or didn’t follow it at all. Democrats were the most likely to have watched live and independents were the least likely.
More data about how Americans followed the presidential debate is available in the Election Mindset Tracker.
Let Us know: Did you watch the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump?
Issues That Matter in Battleground StatesÂ
Key campaign issues like inflation and immigration remain front and center, with inflation resonating most strongly among the general population and voters in all battleground states. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, reproductive rights are likely to play a more significant role compared to the 2020 election. CivicScience data through the end of September shows reproductive rights are most important to Nevada residents, while Georgia voters show the least concern among the seven swing states.
Another social issue likely to play a key role in voting decisions is crime. The data show those living in Arizona and North Carolina are most concerned about the issue among battleground states, with Michigan residents least likely to be concerned.Â
See how swing-state voters compare state-by-state on more key election issues, such as inflation, immigration, and national security in the Election Mindset Tracker.
Trust Concerns Loom Large, Advertising Could Be Impacted
With Election Day nearing, political content is surging on social media, potentially opening the door for misinformation, as seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. New CivicScience data reveal that trust in social media is low – only 10% of U.S. adults trust social media companies, while 66% distrust them.
Trust in these platforms lags behind that of traditional media and both federal and local governments, with Democrats more likely than Republicans and independents to have faith in these institutions.
Low levels of trust may impact users’ willingness to engage with advertisements on social media platforms, as roughly half of social media users say they are more likely to click on ads on platforms they do trust.
Join the Conversation: To what extent do you trust the information you receive on social media?
Follow changes in institutional trust with the CivicScience Institutional Trust Index, available each month in the Election Mindset Tracker.
In the final month leading up to the 2024 election, the path to victory will depend on how effectively campaigns engage skeptical voters and tailor their messaging to battleground state priorities. But the election’s impact goes beyond the campaigns, as it continues to play a key role in Americans’ feelings toward the economy and their own financial outlook.
