First US exit poll favours Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in tight race

The first US exit poll showed an edge for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris over Republican Donald Trump in the too-close-to-call election. While 44 per cent of voters view Trump favourably, Harris secured the backing of 49 per cent, with both facing slightly higher unfavourable ratings than in 2020.

According to the Edison Research exit poll, while the full picture is still unfolding, 44 per cent of voters nationwide expressed a favourable view of Trump, slightly down from 46 per cent in the 2020 exit poll. Meanwhile, 54 per cent viewed him unfavourably, up from 52 per cent in 2020, Reuters reported.

For Kamala Harris, 48 per cent of voters said they viewed her favourably, compared to 52 per cent who held the same view of Biden in the 2020 exit poll. 50 per cent of voters expressed an unfavourable opinion of Harris, compared to 46 per cent for Biden in 2020.

In four out of the seven swing states, the poll favored Harris, while Trump held an advantage in one. Two states are projected to result in a tie.

Trump: 44%
Harris: 47%

Trump: 45%
Harris: 48%

Trump: 46%
Harris: 49%

Trump: 46%
Harris: 46%

Trump: 47%
Harris: 47%

Trump: 47%
Harris: 46%

Trump: 43%
Harris: 48%

DEMOCRACY, ECONOMY KEY ISSUES

Democracy and the economy emerged as key factors influencing voters, according to the exit polls. Around 73 per cent of voters nationwide expressed concerns that democracy in the US is threatened, while 25 per cent believed it is secure.

For 31 per cent of voters, the economy was the most important issue, while 11 per cent prioritised immigration, 14 per cent focused on abortion, 35 per cent cited the state of democracy, and 4 per cent considered foreign policy as the key issue.

As many as 45 per cent of voters nationwide said their family’s financial situation is worse off than it was four years ago, compared to just 20 per cent in the 2020 exit poll. Around 24 per cent said they are better off financially than they were four years ago, down from 41 per cent in 2020. For 30 per cent, their financial situation remains unchanged.

Meanwhile, 51 per cent of voters nationwide expressed greater trust in Trump to handle the economy, while 47 per cent said they trust Harris more.