Oct 23, V7N- Democratic U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris holding a slim lead over Republican former President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election, with Harris leading by 46% to 43%. However, her lead falls within the margin of error, indicating a tight race. This close contest mirrors the dynamics of the 2016 election, where Trump won the Electoral College despite losing the national popular vote.

The poll reveals key voter concerns, with the economy, immigration, and threats to democracy ranked as the most important issues. On these topics, Trump leads Harris in voter trust on the economy (46% to 38%) and immigration (48% to 35%). In contrast, Harris holds the advantage on addressing political extremism and threats to democracy (42% to 35%) as well as on healthcare and abortion policy.

Despite Harris' lead in national polls, victory may hinge on outcomes in battleground states, which will ultimately decide the election through the Electoral College. Polls indicate a neck-and-neck race in those states, raising the importance of voter turnout in determining the winner.

The electorate is highly engaged, with 79% of registered voters, including strong majorities of both Democrats and Republicans, expressing certainty that they will vote. This high level of enthusiasm, especially among Democrats, suggests that turnout could be pivotal in deciding the outcome, similar to the historically high turnout seen in the 2020 election.

Harris' candidacy, which began after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in July, faces a formidable challenge from Trump, who remains popular among Republicans, particularly for his perceived strength on the economy. Both candidates are now focused on mobilizing their supporters as Election Day approaches on November 5.

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