Inflation pumping up voter interest in swing state midterm elections

The economy and inflation are on the front of voters’ minds as they consider who on their ballots to vote for in the Nov. 8 midterm election, but their concerns go beyond just the higher cost of gas and groceries.

While inflation has managed to remain the top issue throughout the election season, immigration reform, the soaring costs of health care, and a lack of affordable housing are also economic factors voters are considering as they contemplate who to vote for – if they even decide to cast their ballot.

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Inflation could cost Democrats the midterms

Since the Democrats hold both the presidency and Congress Republicans have shifted their messaging to focus mainly on inflation, especially as it’s reached a nearly 40-year high, hoping to drive enough Americans to vote red.

Thirty-seven percent of likely voters said that the economy and inflation was the most important issue that will affect their Nov. 8 vote, according to an October USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll. The survey also found that the high inflation rate has affected a significant number of voters are concerned about costs of goods and services.

Latest poll:Exclusive poll: Republican support rises ahead of Election Day, with inflation driving voters

For some, inflation itself is enough to motivate swing voters back to the Republican column. However, for others abortion access and the future of democracy takes precedent. In several swing states and congressional districts the midterm results, will come down to two mobilizing issues: inflation vs. abortion.

Read the full story:Is inflation swaying voters in battleground states? Here’s what we know.

Renters: a key vote if they decide to show up to the polls

Renters, a voting bloc not often considered as pivotal electors, could play a key role in the midterm election – if they show up to vote, according to experts. But as millions of renters are deciding which candidate to back on Nov. 8, their struggle to afford the soaring housing costs could keep them at home.

A Bipartisan Policy Center/Morning Consult poll found that 54% of respondents said they experienced an increase in rent, mortgage, or utility payments over the past year with 65% of renters more likely to report an increase in their housing costs.

While renters could be an influential voting demographic, many are disillusioned by the elections and both parties – losing faith that any politician would provide different results.

“At this point, I don't even care about voting. I don't feel like it makes a difference how I vote,” said Shacoma Wilton-Waddell, one of several renters interviewed by USA TODAY. “I could vote for a paper bag and I'm gonna have the same results. I don't have any faith in the system.”

Read the full story:‘I don’t have any faith in the system’: Soaring housing costs have renters mulling how they’ll vote in the midterms

Immigration, a key economic factor, ranks low among voters’ priority

While immigration has fallen behind the economy, inflation and abortion as galvanizing issues among voters, several said the lack of immigration reform has severe consequences, including the harm to businesses and farms that could pose a risk to the country’s food supply.

Many farms and other labor-intensive industries across the country rely on migrant labor to keep running. Those in the agriculture sector are pushing for Congress to pass reforms, including the H2-A farmworker program and Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which would grant migrants visas to work at most farms and help ease the country’s worker shortage.

The need for a larger workforce – and immigration reform, according to farmers – is evident in the country’s food shortage crisis, which is on track to get worse in 2023, according to forecasts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Next year, for the first time in U.S. history, the country is set to import more food than it produces.

In cities such as Las Vegas, Nevada, migrant labor is the backbone of their economies. A quarter of Nevada’s labor force are immigrants, according to the National Immigration Forum, and nearly one-third of employees in the hospitality industry, the foundation of southern Nevada’s economy, are immigrants.

Read the full story:Lack of immigration reform hurts businesses and farmers, puts nation’s food supply at risk

High health care costs push voters to the polls

Health care could be a determining factor in several races as the soaring costs of prescription drugs and insurance coverage are driving voters to the polls.

Insulin costs are a top priority among many who prioritize heath care. But will they reward Democrats’ efforts to cap out-of-pocket costs? A bill to cap insulin costs for those with private insurance failed on Capitol Hill after Republicans blocked the move.

While the costs of prescription drugs have pushed some voters to support Democratic candidates, others blame their surging health care costs on overall inflation – and the party in power – motivating them to vote red.

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Inflation pumping up voter interest in swing state midterm elections

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