As the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump remain in a stalemate, according to recent polls. New data released on Thursday indicates a particularly close race in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania.
A national poll conducted by The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena College from Sept. 11-16 shows both candidates tied at 47% among 2,437 likely voters, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. This reflects a tight competition, consistent with previous polling trends.
In Pennsylvania, a key state among the seven that could determine the election outcome, Harris holds a slight edge, leading Trump 50% to 46%. However, this 4-point advantage falls within the poll’s margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. A separate survey by The Washington Post corroborates the tight race, revealing that 48% of 1,003 likely and registered voters in Pennsylvania support Harris, while 47% favor Trump, representing a 1-point difference within a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.
Voter motivation appears high, with many respondents expressing a strong desire to participate in the election, citing the protection of American democracy as a key concern. However, opinions are divided regarding which candidate is better suited to safeguard freedoms, with 48% opting for Harris and 45% for Trump.
The political landscape is further complicated by Harris’s efforts to secure the Democratic hold on the White House following President Biden’s withdrawal from the re-election race in July. Trump, facing multiple criminal cases, continues to propagate claims of election fraud from 2020, despite lacking evidence.
Voter priorities extend beyond candidate preferences, with democracy, the economy, abortion, and immigration ranking high on the list of issues influencing decisions. Recent polling from Reuters/Ipsos indicated that Harris has a 5-point lead among registered voters, garnering 47% to Trump’s 42%.
With less than seven weeks remaining, both candidates will likely intensify their campaigning efforts as the election date approaches.
By: Montana Newsroom staff
