U.S. Presidential Election Overview

By Tim Reid, Helen Coster, Alexandra Ulmer, and Brad Brooks

(Reuters) – After months of campaigning, Tuesday's presidential election may have come down to two signature issues: abortion rights and immigration, defining Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.

In over 65 interviews recently, voters highlighted these themes, sharing personal experiences that shaped their presidential choices. The sample provides a glimpse into American voters' minds in the campaign's final days.

For Trump supporters, stopping illegal immigration—a core theme of his presidency—ranked highest in reasons for voting Republican. Economic worries and high inflation were also mentioned, despite steady economic growth and low unemployment.

Justin Newhouse, a 23-year-old conservative from Milwaukee, noted, “I know a lot of people that have personally struggled under the Biden administration.”

For many Harris supporters, her commitment to abortion rights, following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, was pivotal. Perceptions of Trump’s racial remarks heavily influenced voter opinion.

The conducted interviews covered battleground states crucial for the election outcome: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Below are insights from voters about their choices:

'BORDERS HAVE BEEN CRAZY'

Heather Thomas, a 49-year-old convenience store worker in Nevada, emphasized her vote for Trump due to illegal immigration’s perceived economic and societal damage.

> “The open border means the end of our country,” she expressed, criticizing Democrats for not addressing immigration.

CHANGE OF HEART

Myesha Parks, a dental hygienist in North Carolina, voted for Harris primarily for her stance on abortion. Parks acknowledged her evolving views following her friends’ traumatic experiences.

> “Men shouldn’t be allowed to tell women what to do with their bodies,” she stated.

'I WANT A WALL'

Judy Boyce, a retired flight attendant from Georgia, reaffirmed her support for Trump, linking border security with economic prosperity.

> “I want a wall and I want illegal immigration down to zero,” said Boyce.

'MY OWN BODY'

Sarah Weigel, a 46-year-old event coordinator in Pennsylvania, plans to vote for Harris to protect reproductive rights.

> “It's about having the choice of what I want to do with my own body,” she said.

'TREASON'

Terry Balko, a part-time fundraiser in Georgia, expressed his frustrations with Biden and Harris for perceived negligence regarding safety and inflation.

FEAR OF BEING TARGETED

Stephanie Lopez Gilmore, 39, in Detroit, plans to vote for Harris to support women's rights and appreciates having a woman of color in leadership.

STAND AGAINST RACISM

Noel Soto, a 32-year-old truck driver, voted for Harris to oppose racism, concerned about the racial climate influenced by Trump supporters.

> “I did it for my Mexican family,” he said.