The Roanoke College Poll indicates Vice President Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump by 10 points in Virginia, while incumbent Senator Tim Kaine is 11 points ahead of Republican challenger Hung Cao. Voter concerns primarily revolve around the economy, with confidence in candidate choices reported high among likely voters just before the elections.
According to the latest Roanoke College Poll, Vice President Kamala Harris has increased her lead over former President Donald Trump to 10 points in Virginia, with a reported support of 51% to Trump’s 41%. Independent candidate Cornel West and Libertarian Chase Oliver are each polling at 2%, while Green Party candidate Jill Stein stands at 1%. In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine leads his Republican competitor Hung Cao with a margin of 11 points, receiving 51% of the support against Cao’s 40%. The survey captured responses from 851 likely registered voters in Virginia from October 25 to October 29, 2024, with a margin of error of 4.6%. A notably low number of voters, only 2%, remain undecided about their choices, while an additional 2% indicate plans to vote for candidates not in the five major options on the ballot. Approximately 40% of respondents confirmed they have already cast their votes, and 24% intend to vote prior to Election Day. Among those yet to vote, an impressive 85% express confidence in their chosen candidate, and two-thirds are enthusiastic about participating in the elections. Economic issues dominate voter concerns, with 43% identifying it as the most pressing matter, followed by abortion at 20% and immigration at 12%. The poll results indicate voter trust in Harris, who is believed to manage abortion issues better (57% to Trump’s 36%). Voters are divided in their preferences regarding other key issues, with results showing equal support for Harris and Trump on immigration (48% each), and a slight preference for Harris on crime and foreign policy (49%-45%). However, a significant perception exists that Harris is more empathetic to voters’ needs, with 46% feeling she understands them compared to only 37% who feel the same about Trump. Additionally, voter opinion is split on the federal government’s impact on their lives, with 44% believing it detracts from their quality of life, while 40% think it improves it. Assessment of job approval in Virginia shows stability in perceptions, with nearly half of respondents (46%) feeling the state is heading in the right direction. Conversely, 64% believe the nation is moving on the wrong track, despite a slight improvement from 71% in August. Approval ratings are low across the board for federal leaders; Trump retains a favorability of 38% but a disapproval of 54%, while President Biden’s approval stands at 38% with 50% disfavor. Harris’s favorability is edging closely at 45%/46%. Tim Kaine fares slightly better with 39% favorable to 33% unfavorable, whereas Hung Cao is also viewed positively by 28% of respondents, though a large portion remains undecided regarding him. The Roanoke College Poll is a public service initiative by the college and is spearheaded by the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research (IPOR).
This article highlights the findings of the Roanoke College Poll conducted just before the 2024 elections in Virginia. It reveals critical insights into voter preferences for the presidential and Senate races, indicating significant support for Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump and Democratic Senator Tim Kaine over Republican challenger Hung Cao. Furthermore, the article delves into key issues affecting voters’ decisions, providing a detailed overview of the electorate’s sentiment in Virginia as the election approaches.
In conclusion, the Roanoke College Poll provides a comprehensive snapshot of the upcoming Virginia elections, portraying a favorable landscape for Kamala Harris and Tim Kaine. With a substantial lead over their opponents and a high level of enthusiasm among likely voters, Harris and Kaine seem positioned well as Election Day approaches. The prevailing concerns regarding the economy and the candidates’ perceived capabilities in managing crucial issues will likely influence final voter turnout and decisions.
Original Source: www.roanoke.edu
