As millions of Americans head to the polls for the 2024 presidential election, two key issues have dominated the conversation: abortion rights and immigration. Voters interviewed across several battleground states indicated that their personal experiences and the candidates’ positions on these matters were the driving factors behind their decision.
For many supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris, her commitment to protecting abortion rights after the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade was the most compelling reason to back her. On the other hand, voters supporting Donald Trump were primarily focused on immigration and border security, issues central to his campaign.
Trump Supporters Focus on Immigration and the Economy
Among Trump supporters, the need to control illegal immigration was consistently highlighted as the top concern. Heather Thomas, a 49-year-old convenience store worker from Las Vegas, said her vote for Trump was motivated by the perceived economic and societal damage from illegal immigration. “The open border means the end of our country,” Thomas said. “How is the country supposed to take care of millions of illegal people coming here when we are not even taking care of so many Americans?”
Similarly, Judy Boyce, a retired flight attendant from Georgia, cited border security as her primary issue. “I want a wall, and I want illegal immigration down to zero,” Boyce said, expressing her frustration with the current administration’s handling of the border.
Other Trump voters, like Terry Balko from Marietta, Georgia, emphasized concerns about inflation and safety. Balko, who has voted for Trump in previous elections, said he wanted a “safer country” and a stronger stance on deporting illegal immigrants.
Harris Backers Driven by Abortion Rights
In contrast, Kamala Harris’ supporters were motivated by her stance on abortion rights. Myesha Parks, a dental hygienist from North Carolina, explained that her personal experiences shaped her decision. Having grown up opposed to abortion, her views changed after two friends were raped. “If that ever happened to me, I don’t think I’d be strong enough to carry a child on my own,” Parks said.
Sarah Weigel, a 46-year-old event coordinator from Pennsylvania, said she was voting for Harris to protect her right to make decisions about her own body. “The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade pushed me to vote,” Weigel said, adding that the right to choose was the most important issue for her.
Identity and Representation in the Race
For some voters, the significance of representation played a key role. Stephanie Lopez Gilmore, a wellness worker from Detroit, said she was voting for Harris because she is inspired by the prospect of having a woman of color in the Oval Office. “As a woman of color myself, it’s very inspiring to see someone who looks like you leading the country,” Lopez Gilmore said.
Noel Soto, a 32-year-old truck driver in Phoenix, cast his first vote as a U.S. citizen for Harris, motivated by his desire to stand against racism. “I don’t like Trump’s side because of its racism. I did it for my Mexican family,” Soto said, reflecting on the increased racial tension he has experienced.
The Election Hinges on Key Swing States
As voters in Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, and other battleground states cast their ballots, it’s clear that the 2024 election has come down to core issues that resonate deeply with individuals. Trump’s supporters are calling for stricter immigration policies and economic change, while Harris’ base rallies around abortion rights and equality.
With polls indicating a close race and the potential for a prolonged count in some states, the outcome remains uncertain. Regardless of the result, the issues that have defined this election will likely continue to shape the national conversation long after Election Day.
