In the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, Vice President Kamala Harris maintains a slim lead over Donald Trump in the race for the U.S. presidency. The survey, conducted over four days and completed on October 8, 2024, shows Harris with a 46% to 43% advantage among registered voters, with a margin of error of about 3 percentage points.
This poll reflects a tightening race compared to the previous survey in late September, where Harris held a six-point lead. The current results highlight the significance of economic issues and immigration concerns in shaping voter preferences.
Economic factors remain at the forefront of voters' minds, with 70% of respondents identifying the cost of living as the most critical issue for the next president to address. Trump appears to have an edge in this area, with 44% of voters favoring his approach to addressing living costs, compared to 38% for Harris.
Immigration has emerged as another pivotal issue in the campaign. The poll reveals that 53% of voters agree with the statement that undocumented immigrants pose a danger to public safety, an increase from a May poll where opinion was more evenly divided. This shift aligns with Trump's campaign rhetoric, which has emphasized crimes allegedly committed by individuals in the country illegally.
Despite Trump's perceived strength on economic issues, Harris leads in perceptions of mental acuity. Fifty-five percent of respondents agreed that she is "mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges," compared to 46% who said the same of Trump.
The poll also highlights the importance of battleground states in determining the election outcome. While national surveys provide valuable insights, the state-by-state results of the Electoral College will ultimately decide the winner. Current polls indicate a neck-and-neck race in these crucial states.
Harris entered the presidential race in late July 2024, following President Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection bid after a poor debate performance against Trump in June. At that time, Trump was widely considered the front-runner, partly due to perceptions of his economic strengths during a period of high inflation under the Biden administration.
"Our approach to addressing the cost of living crisis resonates with the American people. We're committed to putting more money in the pockets of hardworking families."
As the November 5, 2024, election approaches, both candidates are intensifying their efforts to win over voters in key battleground states. The close nature of the race underscores the importance of voter turnout and the potential impact of upcoming debates and campaign events.
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 1,272 U.S. adults online, including 1,076 registered voters. Among these, 969 were considered the most likely to turn out on Election Day. As the campaign enters its final weeks, both Harris and Trump will be focusing on addressing voters' concerns about the economy, immigration, and their ability to lead the nation effectively.