CNN released their first exit polls at 5 p.m. ET. Here's what the survey tell us about what is on the mind of American voters.
To the question, “What is the most important issue to your vote?” early data reveal that for 34% of voters surveyed, the economy was top priority when making their votes.
Racial inequality was the next highest issue, with 21% of voters using ongoing injustice to guide their ballot.
The coronavirus pandemic was third in this survey with just 18% of voters saying Covid-19 was their main priority when casting their vote.
Record unemployment stemming from the pandemic has created financial crises for many American households. This is especially true for Black Americans who have felt the crush of the economic crisis and devastating effects of the pandemic.
Ongoing racial injustice has also been a factor in getting Black voters to the poll this election, as well as motivating other demographics to get out to the polls.
Additional data from CNN revealed that 13% of surveyed voters were casting ballots for the first time compared to 87% who had previously voted.
When asked, “What candidate quality mattered most?” 32% of voters responded that they want a strong leader, while 24% said a candidate with good judgment was important to them.
An overwhelming 68% of voters said the process of voting was easy in their respective states.
Exit polls released at 6 p.m. show a less white electorate. 65% of voters surveyed identified as white, followed by 13% Latino, 12% Black, 6% "something else," and 3% identified as Asian.
The gender breakdown these early surveys show the same as in 2016 with 53% voters surveyed identifying as women and 47% men.
In terms of age demographic, early data reveal an older voter majority with 38% of voters between the ages of 45-64 and 23% of survey participants are 65 or older.
CNN also reports a 5% increase in college educated voters from 2016, with 45% of voters in their survey holding a college degree and 55% stating they do not have a college degree.
As polls begin to close, additional data will complete the American electorate profile of the 2020 general election.
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