Abortion is expected to be a significant issue for voters this year, but a recent poll suggests that other concerns are taking precedence. According to a survey conducted by Roanoke College, the economy is the top issue in the upcoming election, with 44% of respondents identifying it as their main concern. Immigration comes in second place at 14%. Jatia Wrighten, from Virginia Commonwealth University, believes that these issues may benefit Republicans, as many people attribute the state of the economy to President Biden’s leadership.
Interestingly, abortion ranks third in terms of importance, with only 13% of respondents indicating it as their top issue. Jamie Lockhart, from Planned Parenthood, argues that forcing individuals to choose between the economy and abortion is a false dichotomy. She believes that reproductive freedom is closely tied to economic freedom, and individuals should not have to prioritize one over the other.
The poll also revealed that 8% of respondents view foreign policy as the most critical issue, while only 5% prioritize crime. These findings suggest that the economy is a top concern for voters, potentially shaping their decision-making in the upcoming election. This report was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association and was provided by Virginia Public Radio.