Voices from the Field
The economy continues to be top of mind for voters across the country. But what do these economic voters care about? It’s kitchen table economic issues, like costs of elder care, groceries, child care, and prescription drugs. Voters across the battleground, in their own words, share how personal finances are driving their vote motivation this election and what they want to see from our elected leaders.
BATTLEGROUND STATES
GEORGIA
27,115
CONVERSATIONS
Top Issues for Georgia Voters
We asked voters in Georgia to tell us what issues matter most as they head to the ballot box.
What are Georgians Saying?
Amber
Smyrna, GA
Rising costs are making it harder for Amber to manage household expenses. She’s enthusiastically supporting Vice President Harris to improve the budgets of families like hers.
William
Marietta, GA
William struggles to balance work, caring for his aging parents, and ensuring that his children receive proper care. He wants to see more support services and affordable care options and he remains hopeful that future policies will address these critical issues.
Kimberly
Marietta, GA
Inflation is making it increasingly difficult for Kimberly to manage everyday expenses, particularly groceries and rent. Additionally, rising costs have negatively impacted her ability to save. She’s voting for the Harris-Walz ticket because she believes they’ll provide economic relief for families like hers.
Benjamin
Marietta, GA
Benjamin is deeply concerned about the economy. This is why he’s working to elect Vice President Harris and Governor Walz. He believes that they’re the right people to help fix our economy.
Alexis
Smyrna, GA
Alexis is enthusiastically voting for Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz this November. She believes they’re the right people to get our country back on track.
Kenneth
Marietta, GA
Kenneth’s greatest concern this election is good paying jobs. He is starting a new trade and wants to see more support for people in his position, especially young people. Kenneth is supporting VP Harris and is eager to see what she’ll accomplish.
Kathy
Marietta, GA
Kathy is excited to cast her vote for Vice President Harris. She underscored the historic nature of Kamala Harris’ candidacy alongwith the importance of representation and diversity in leadership.
Anthony
Marietta, GA
Anthony is a student who is deeply concerned about the state of our economy, describing it as being “in shambles.” He is enthusiastically supporting Kamala Harris for President because he believes she will get our country “back to stability.”
Andrea
Marietta, GA
Andrea is a mother and student who wants to see better child care options for her baby.
Mikaela
Marietta, GA
Mikaela’s top priority is ensuring quality education for her children. She believes that access to well-resourced schools provide a strong foundation for their future. Mikaela is supporting Kamala Harris to improve the education system and create better opportunities for students.
Ivy
Marietta, GA
Ivy worries about the lack of quality jobs, noting that too many employers offer low wages, limited benefits, and insufficient job security, leaving workers struggling. Ivy believes that addressing these issues is vital for individual financial stability and the economic health of Marietta.
L Rogers
Marietta, GA
L. Rogers is frustrated with the high costs and limited availability of quality childcare options, which he believes create significant challenges for working parents. He wants to see policies to address the childcare crisis, ensuring that all families have access to the care they need.
Shermanetta
Marietta, GA
Shermanetta wants to see the costs of prescription drugs lowered. She believes the costs of medications are a significant burden on individuals and families, often forcing them to make difficult choices between their health and other essential needs.
Cameron
Marietta, GA
The increasing cost of groceries, rent, and utilities, are straining Cameron’s household budget and making it difficult to manage expenses. He is frustrated with the impact of inflation on his ability to save and plan for the future and he wants to see solutions.
Cierra
Marietta, GA
Cierra wants to see more quality jobs created. She’s concerned about the rising cost of living and the strain that it puts on families like hers. Cierra is voting for Vice President Harris to tackle inflation, create better jobs, and protect women’s rights.
Angela
Marietta, GA
Angela is deeply concerned about the quality and safety of schools. She believes that parents deserve reassurance that their children are in a secure learning environment and that every child receives a high-quality education, regardless of their background.
Desiree
Marietta, GA
Women’s rights are among Desiree’s top issues and she’s supporting Vice President Harris to continue her advocacy for women. Desiree wants to see improvements in healthcare and equal pay and she believes that the leadership of the Harris-Walz ticket will bring about positive change.
Callie
Marietta, GA
Callie Johnson manages a small business. Due to inflation, costs have gone up and customer growth has slowed. Despite these challenges, Callie remains optimistic about the future and shared her strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Martell
Marietta, GA
Martell works hard but his paycheck barely covers gas, rent, and groceries. Rising costs have placed a strain on his family and “inflation has significantly impacted both his personal and professional life.” Despite this, he’s supporting Harris-Walz and remains optimistic about the future.
Aiyana
Marietta, GA
Aiyana has been significantly affected by inflation. The rising cost of essentials like gas and groceries have made it difficult to manage her expenses. Aiyana is supporting Vice President Harris to address the economic challenges and help ease the financial strain on people like her.
Muhammad
Marietta, GA
Muhammad’s top priorities in the upcoming election are improving school quality and addressing the impacts of inflation on “everyday living expenses.” He is deeply concerned about both and he’s supporting VP Harris to help turn things around.
Romy
Marietta, GA
Small business owner, Romy, is concerned about rising costs. The increase in the cost of goods have made it difficult to maintain his margins, creating significant pressure on his day-to-day operations. He wants to see a focus on solving these issues for local businesses.
MICHIGAN
170,742
CONVERSATIONS
Top Issues for Michigan Voters
We asked voters in Michigan to tell us what issues matter most as they head to the ballot box.
What are Michiganders Saying?
Daretha
Eastpointe, MI
For Daretha, elder care is her top priority. As her grandmother’s caregiver, she feels that it shouldn’t be so expensive to take care of those who have taken care of us throughout their lives. Elder care costs must come down!
Bianca
Eastpointe, MI
As a young mother, Bianca struggles everyday to afford the child care she needs. She hopes that VP Harris and Rep. Slotkin will work to bring down the cost of child care.
James
Lathrup Village, MI
James, a grandfather of two, shared that lowering the cost of prescription drugs is his top priority. As a diabetic, he’s grateful for the Inflation Reduction Act for capping insulin prices but he is still concerned about the cost of other medications.
Chamari
Southfield, MI
Charmari feels it’s a struggle just to afford basic necessities. She knows that VP Harris is committed to going after price gougers. So this November, she is committed to casting her ballot for VP Harris and Rep. Slotkin.
Peter
Southfield, MI
As a senior, elder care is Peter’s top priority – he wants to see investments made in social security so that it increases with inflation. He is counting on Kamala Harris to make the cost of living affordable to seniors.
Mark
Southfield, MI
As a student, Mark knows the cost of an education is just too high. He wants the politicians in Washington to make higher education affordable for all. That’s why he is supporting VP Harris and Rep Slotkin this year.
Derek
Southfield, MI
Derek feels like his grocery bill is getting higher and higher. He is counting on VP Harris and Rep. Slotkin to go to Washington and fight to bring down costs.
Kenneth
Southfield, MI
As a business owner, Kenneth is worried that rising costs are affecting his business. He knows that VP Harris and Rep. Slotkin have a plan to support small business owners like him and that’s why he’s be voting for them in November.
Henry
Southfield, MI
Henry’s biggest concern is the cost of medicine. As a senior on a fixed income, he can barely afford the medicine he needs. He hopes Kamala Harris can continue to bring the prices down.
Michael
Lathrup Village, MI
As caregiver to his mother and father, Michael is concerned about the rising cost of elder care. He shared that rising costs make it difficult for families taking care of their elderly parents.
Asia
Southfield, MI
Asia, a pharmacist technician, is concerned about the high cost of medicine. She sees a lot of people who can’t afford to buy the medicine they need. Asia wants to see the price of medicine go down, making it affordable for everyone.
Patrick
Warren, MI
For Patrick, jobs are his top issue. Patrick shared that he’s noticed changes in the community over the years and wonders if his family will prosper there. He knows VP Harris is committed to lowering costs and creating quality jobs and will vote for her this November.
Dr. Nana
Southfield, MI
As a doctor and small business owner, Edewor’s concerns center around the rising costs, especially those impacting his business. He supports VP Harris and plans to vote for a straight Democratic ticket.
Martha
Farmington, MI
As a mother, Martha cited the high cost of daycare as a significant burden for her family. She knows that Kamala Harris and Elissa Slotkin will make childcare a priority.
MONTANA
23,995
CONVERSATIONS
Top Issues for Montana Voters
We asked voters in Montana to tell us what issues matter most as they head to the ballot box.
What are Montanans Saying?
Emma
Missoula, MT
Emma wants to see more funding for Montana’s schools and healthcare. Hospital deserts and the lack of healthcare access for rural communities are her top concerns.
Nicholas
Great Falls, MT
Nicholas feels that elderly care should be a top priority. He cares about lowering the cost of prescription medication because he struggles at times to get his prescriptions and wants all Montanans to have the access that they need.
Georgia
Great Falls, MT
When Georgia was a new mom she didn’t have access to paid leave and is now struggling with the high costs of child care. Georgia supports a candidate who will work on these issues.
Elizabeth
Butte, MT
Elizabeth is concerned about elder care and wants to keep Jon Tester in office to keep focusing on lowering the costs of prescription drugs.
Samuel
Great Falls, MT
As a lifelong resident of Montana, Samuel’s biggest concerns are the rising costs of essential goods and property taxes. He wants to make sure that no one else is struggling to afford to pay for what they need.
Toni
Missoula, MT
Toni is concerned about housing affordability for the next generation. She worries for people in her community, like her physical therapist who cannot afford a home as costs continue to rise.
Bryce
Bonner, MT
Housing prices and overdevelopment are top issues for Bryce who sees both of these as threats to Montana’s open spaces and home affordability.
Barbara
Missoula, MT
Barbara wants her elected officials to look out for Montanans and not corporate interests. She wants to see more support for small businesses and a living wage for Montanans.
Josh
Great Falls, MT
Josh Buffery wants our Senators to focus on funding quality education for our children. He believes children should feel safe at home and where they receive their education.
Charity
Missoula, MT
Charity is an educator at the University of Montana and cares deeply for her students and their families. Charity supports Senator Tester because she wants to see improvements in the quality of education and affordable access to housing and child care for all Montanans.
Regina
Missoula, MT
Regina cares deeply about protecting our public lands, which she believes are vulnerable to wealthy landowners. Regina thinks that these are some of Montana’s richest natural resources and that they should be open to all Montanans, regardless of their income level.
OHIO
79,461
CONVERSATIONS
Top Issues for Ohio Voters
We asked voters in Ohio to tell us what issues matter most as they head to the ballot box.
What are Ohioans Saying?
Hermina
Columbus, OH
Hermina worries about the cost of child care. She has a daughter, and daycare is currently too expensive for her to afford. She supports Sherrod Brown, and hopes he can help hardworking parents like her.
Mo
Cincinnati, OH
Mo manages a local business and really enjoys it, but she still struggles as a single mom. Even with her good paying job, rising costs and a lack of affordable child care options have made things difficult.
Sandra
Columbus, OH
Sandra told us that lowering the cost of prescription drugs and making child care more affordable are her two most important issues in this upcoming election. She hopes to elect leaders who will prioritize these key issues.
Erin
Cincinnati, OH
Erin loves her children. She’s especially proud that her oldest daughter is about to graduate from high school. Erin and her husband are worried about how they will afford to help their children pay for college. But, she remains hopeful and optimistic about their future.
Carlos
Cincinnati, OH
Carlos owns a hardware store in Cincinnati. He and his son have been in business for a year. Carlos worries about how rising costs impact his customers and he tries to keep his prices low enough to accommodate their needs.
Veronica
Cincinnati, OH
Veronica supports Sherrod Brown. She’s been pleased with his record of standing up for Ohioans, and she shared that “he seems like a good, honest guy.”
Durga
Cincinnati, OH
Durga came to America from Nepal in 2010. Her biggest concern is rising costs. She says everything is super expensive right now, so fewer people come to her store. She says,”for a business owner not to get customers is a scary situation.”
Ruth
Cincinnati, OH
Ruth Scullion is concerned about Cincinnati’s increased cost of living and high rent. She discussed the need for higher paying jobs that allow hardworking Ohioans — especially college students — to afford rent.
Gwen
Norwood, OH
Gwen helps run “Dress for Success,” which assists women with career counseling, professional dress, and other resources. Gwen worries about the women in her program. They struggle to afford housing, food, and transportation. They have trouble finding jobs that pay enough to live on.
Jonny
Cincinnati, OH
Jonny owns three stores. He is concerned about business taxes, inflation, and the effects that the rise in taxes will have on his business.
Jayswhawn
Cincinnati, OH
Jayshawn feels that rising prices are affecting both the economy and him personally. He found receipts from a grocery store trip last year, and he was shocked to see that the prices were half of what they are today.
Mia
Columbus, OH
Mia is a college student who supports Sherrod Brown and progressive policies. Her biggest concern right now is rising costs. She hopes elected leaders will help address this issue.
Andrea
Cincinnati, OH
Andrea works hard managing a store. She has family to care for, and the cost of groceries is really hurting right now. She is hopeful that Sherrod Brown will address the high cost of necessities like groceries.
Sarah
Cincinnati, OH
Sarah works at a local clothing store. She loves fashion and wants to become a manager one day. She worries that the cost of living is getting out of hand. She was pleased to hear about Senator Brown’s work to lower costs for working Ohioans.
PENNSYLVANIA
72,034
CONVERSATIONS
Top Issues for Pennsylvania Voters
We asked voters in Pennsylvania to tell us what issues matter most as they head to the ballot box.
What are Pennsylvanians Saying?
Sarah
Philadelphia, PA
Sarah is a mother of two young children who is frustrated by the high cost of child care. The $1,000 she is paying each month is a strain on her family’s budget. Sarah is hoping for more affordable childcare options.
Chedeline
Philadelphia, PA
Chedeline is a mother who is concerned about child care costs. She shared that with the high cost of living, it’s difficult to find affordable child care for her son.
James
Philadelphia, PA
James is a new father who is upset about the lack of paid family leave at his job. James shared he had to return to work only a week after his daughter’s birth. He hopes for stronger paid leave policies so new parents can spend more time with their newborns without worrying about losing income.
Sandra
Levittown, PA
Sandra’s top concern is the high cost of living. She shared she has dipped into her savings to afford every day expenses like her mortgage and groceries. Sandra is “supporting Kamala Harris all the way” because VP Harris will lower the costs for seniors like her.
Chanel
Bristol, PA
Chanel is most worried about the high cost of living due to price increases over the past several years. She is voting for Vice President Kamala Harris because she knows she would be an excellent president.
Vince
Levittown, PA
Vince, who lives with his wife and two grown children, expressed significant concern over inflation. He shared that rising prices, from groceries to fuel, are squeezing his family’s budget and affecting their financial stability. Vince said, “We need Kamala Harris in office.”
Tiffany
Philadelphia, PA
Tiffany is frustrated with the stagnation of wages in Pennsylvania amidst the rising costs of gas and food. She shared that despite working hard, her income has not kept up with increasing prices, making it challenging to cover basic expenses.
Benjamin
Philadelphia, PA
Benjamin is concerned about finding affordable elder care for his aging mother. Benjamin explained they’ve been waiting for a spot in an assisted living facility, but the cost is beyond what they can afford. He hopes for more affordable elder care options to help families like his.
Tyler
Philadelphia, PA
Tyler is supporting Kamala Harris because of her efforts to provide opportunities for children and economic relief for families. As a father of two, he feels these policies are crucial for his children’s future and for the stability of the community.
James
Bensalem, PA
James expressed deep concern about the rising costs of healthcare, particularly for his elderly parents. He shared that managing his parent’s medications often puts a strain on his budget. “I spend about $300 a month just on prescriptions,” he said.
Joe
Bensalem, PA
Joe shared his concerns about the job market and the struggle to find stable employment. “I’ve had to juggle multiple gigs just to make ends meet,” he explained. Joe currently works two part-time jobs but worries about the lack of benefits and job security.
Dan
Feasterville, PA
Dan’s top issue is the rising cost of living. He shared he has struggled to afford quality back-to-school clothes for his sons this year. Dan is voting for Kamala Harris and Bob Casey.
Lucy
Northampton, PA
Lucy, who is in her mid-60s, is frustrated by the rising cost of healthcare. With a fixed income from her retirement savings, Lucy struggles to keep up with medical expenses. She wants leaders who will advocate for better healthcare policies.
WISCONSIN
56,161
CONVERSATIONS
Top Issues for Wisconsin Voters
We asked voters in Wisconsin to tell us what issues matter most as they head to the ballot box.
What are Wisconsinites Saying?
Valerie
Wauwatosa, WI
For Valerie, the cost of child care is driving her vote choice in this year’s election. Valerie plans to vote for Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin because she knows they will work to ensure families can access and afford child care.
Scott
Shorewood, WI
Scott has felt financial relief from President Biden’s policies over the past three and a half years, and he knows Vice President Harris will continue to prioritize family budgets. Scott plans to vote for Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin on November 5.
Kiana
Milwaukee, WI
Kiana is concerned about the rising cost of prescription drugs. Like many seniors, Kiana’s grandparents have a hard time affording their medications, and she believes there needs to be more done to ensure seniors and individuals with disabilities can afford the medications they need.
Yolanda
Milwaukee, WI
Yolanda’s family budget is strained due to the rising costs of essential expenses. She knows Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin will work to ensure she can take care of her family, which is why Yolanda is casting her ballot for them on Election Day.
Tod
Hales Corners, WI
Like other small business owners, Tod has had to deal with the rising costs of goods while trying to keep his business open. Tod is voting for Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin because he knows they will prioritize the needs of small businesses.
Tiara
Milwaukee, WI
Tiara is a care worker who provides care for seniors, and like many Wisconsinites, she struggles to afford the healthcare she needs. Tiara was glad to hear that Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin are working to lower prescription drug costs.
Jaspreet
Shorewood, WI
Jaspreet is a strong supporter of Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin because she knows they will fight to ensure all Americans have access to the care they need – especially reproductive healthcare. Jaspreet is excited to vote for Harris and Baldwin on Election Day.
Maureen
Shorewood, WI
When their mother was aging, Maureen and her brother moved in to care for her. Maureen believes we need more resources to help family members provide care to aging parents, which is why she is voting for Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin.
Jenna
Wauwatosa, WI
One of Jenna’s relatives has benefited from the Biden Administration’s cap on insulin for seniors, and given how life-changing this has been, lowering the cost of all medications is driving her vote choice. That’s why she’s voting for Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin.
Kavon
Wauwatosa, WI
Top of mind for Kavon is the high cost of healthcare. Kavon is all in for Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin because they will fight to ensure no one has to choose between affording healthcare and essential expenses like rent.
Crystal
Milwaukee, WI
Crystal is concerned with the rising cost of child care, and believes more needs to be done to ensure families can afford child care, without breaking the bank. That’s why she is supporting Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin this year.
Gretchen
Milwaukee, WI
Gretchen is voting for Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin because she knows they will stand up for issues that matter to working families, and stand up to special interests, including against corporate price gouging, that puts extra strain on family budgets.
NY-22
2,013
CONVERSATIONS
Top Issues for New York Voters
We asked voters in New York to tell us what issues matter most as they head to the ballot box.
What are New Yorkers Saying?
Victoria
Syracuse, NY
Victoria, a former pharmacy technician, believes lowering prescription medication costs should be a top priority. She shares the frustration of patients over rising prices. Victoria supports John Mannion’s plan to cap insulin prices, and she’s committed to voting for him in the upcoming election.
Dakota
Clay, NY
Dakota, a restaurant employee, shared her struggle to afford health insurance. Rising prescription drug costs have forced her to delay refills, despite needing the medication, as she tries to save enough money to cover the expenses.
Cathy
Syracuse, NY
Cathy is a business owner who works hard to take care of her business and manage her diabetes. She’s been personally impacted by rising insulin costs and supports capping them. Cathy believes John Mannion is the ideal candidate to address this issue.
Mary
Syracuse, NY
Mary expressed her strong support for John Mannion. Her top concern is accessible and affordable elder care and she appreciates John Mannion’s fight to lower costs for our seniors.
Alisha
Syracuse, NY
Alisha owns a local coffee shop and is facing rising costs for her business and personal needs. A gap in insurance makes her medication unaffordable. Despite this, she still tries to keep prices low for her customers.
Sophie
Manlius, NY
Sophie, a recent graduate, struggles to afford her ADHD medication due to rising costs. High rent and low wages forced her to move back home. “I’m lucky to live with my mom, but with rent so high and jobs paying so little, there aren’t many options.”
Alba
Syracuse, NY
Alba is concerned about the rising cost of living in her community, including rent, groceries, and gas. She wants representatives to advocate for lower expenses for families like hers. A strong supporter of John Mannion, she believes in his commitment to creating higher-paying jobs and helping local families.
Tynesha
Syracuse, NY
Tynesha is currently impacted by rising rent and housing costs, noting that many friends and family have become homeless due to low-paying jobs. She urges representatives to lower living expenses in New York and strongly supports John Mannion for his efforts to create more well-paying jobs in the area.
New Hampshire
9,237
CONVERSATIONS
Top Issues for New Hampshire Voters
We asked voters in New Hampshire to tell us what issues matter most as they head to the ballot box.
What are New Hampshirites Saying?
Jennifer
Northwood, NH
Jennifer is concerned about rising costs, especially child care. She will be voting for democrats to ensure the priorities of working families like hers are represented in Concord.
Kathy
Nottingham, NH
Kathy is concerned that workforce policies continue to make it challenging for women to balance care responsibilities at home while providing for their families at work.
Tyler
Allenstown, NH
Tyler is concerned about inflation and will be voting for Democratic candidates for State House because they share his priorities and values.
Pennilynn
Laconia, NH
Pennilynn is concerned about abortion access and frustrated Republicans in NH passed restrictions limiting access for women.