(NewsNation) — Most Americans remain concerned about inflation, and for many, the economy will determine who they vote for in the 2024 election, according to a new NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ poll released Monday.
Roughly 90% of voters said they are “very” (57%) or “somewhat” (32%) concerned about inflation, and 46% of those surveyed think it’s a bigger issue than immigration (29%), crime (17%) and unemployment (8%).
The findings suggest Americans are still feeling the pain from rising prices despite low unemployment and progress in the battle against inflation.
“Chipotle is still expensive, groceries are still expensive and people are still worried about where they can go on an affordable vacation,” said Scott Tranter, director of data science at Decision Desk HQ.
Economy could be the deciding issue in 2024
When it comes to the 2024 election, a plurality of respondents (40%) said the economy is the most important issue in determining who they choose, followed by immigration (17%) and abortion (8%).
The economy was the top issue across the political spectrum, with 46% of Republicans and independents, as well as, 31% of Democrats ranking it first.
There were partisan differences, however, particularly when it came to the border.
Republicans (31%) and independents (12%) were more likely to say immigration is the main issue that will determine their vote, while Democrats leaned toward abortion (14%) and climate change (11%).
“When we look at where the independents land, they are in lockstep with the Republicans on the economy,” said Tranter. “Independents care about immigration — second most is big — but they’re not in lockstep with the Republicans on that yet.”
The latest poll also gauged Americans’ views about their personal financial situation.
Nearly 47% of respondents said they are worse off financially compared to a year ago, versus 20% who are better off, while 33% said their position hasn’t changed.
As to whether the U.S. is on the right or wrong track, two-thirds of those surveyed think the country is on the wrong track, including 89% of Republicans and 72% of independents. Democratic respondents were slightly more likely to say right track (43%) than wrong track (38%).
The gloomy attitudes are underscored by the fact that most Americans (59%) aren’t excited about a potential rematch between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden in 2024.
Context: Americans remain pessimistic but slightly less so
Voters aren’t happy about the economy, but the latest survey suggests they’re feeling slightly better than they have over the past year.
The percentage of people who consider inflation the biggest problem is down from 55% last May to 46% now, according to NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ polling. Republicans have driven that shift, 47% of whom now think immigration is a bigger problem, up from 30% who felt that way in May.
Compared to last spring, fewer people think the country is on the wrong track, and voters are less likely to say they are “very concerned” about inflation. Last week, consumer sentiment reached its highest level since July 2021.
It remains to be seen how the economy will change before Americans head to the polls in November, but as of today, voters expect Trump (43%) to defeat Biden (33%), the NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ poll found.
“We are nine and a half months away from people being able to vote and that is an eternity, in terms of what can happen and not happen,” said Tranter.