Economy Top of Mind for Most North Carolina Early Voters

College students and retirees in Kannapolis and Durham are engaging in discussions about prices and values, particularly in the context of the upcoming election. The economic concerns of voters are a common theme, with worries about inflation, housing prices, and more. As the election season heats up, both Democratic and Republican candidates are vying for support and making their cases to voters in North Carolina. Voters express hopes for improvements in the economy and other key areas from the candidates they support. John Fredricks of The Epoch Times reported, “As Durham goes, so goes the state of North Carolina.” However, Durham County, home to Duke University and the Research Triangle, is heavily Democratic. In the 2020 election, over 80% of the county voted for Democrats, with some rural areas showing support for Trump. In Durham, students at Duke University expressed their Democratic leanings, citing issues like women’s rights and access to voting as top priorities. One student mentioned that supporting Democrats is popular on campus, although there is a reactivated Republican organization at Duke.

On the economic front, a student named Elizabeth highlighted her support for Harris based on issues like abortion, concern for racial minorities, and U.S. policy on Israel. Another student, Noah Mason, emphasized the economy and climate change as his top concerns, hoping to secure a job to move out of his family’s home.

Former President Bill Clinton visited Durham and focused on economic issues like inflation and employment growth. He also mentioned Harris’s plan to raise the earned income tax credit. Foreign policy discussions were minimal, but one young woman in the crowd waved a Palestinian flag to raise awareness for the ongoing Gaza war.

In Apex, first-time voter Ryder Shaw and his mother, Ashley Anderson, along with Shaw’s girlfriend, Alaina Tumminelli, supported Trump, mentioning their belief that both candidates want to improve the country in different ways. Unlike some in Durham, they expressed concerns about the economy and inflation. The town of Apex offers a mix of traditional and modern Southern elements, highlighting a diverse range of perspectives on political issues. They were not comforted by the decrease in inflation over the past few quarters.

“As a college student, I find it challenging at times to afford simple groceries or a tank of gas,” Shaw expressed.

“Even though salaries have increased, many are still living paycheck to paycheck,” Anderson noted.

Shaw mentioned that his conservative friends, who are all aspiring first-time home buyers, are very invested in this election. He recounted the story of a friend who dreams of getting married, starting a family, and buying a home, but is unsure if he will be able to achieve that goal.

“It’s difficult to make long-term plans when the economy’s future is uncertain,” Tumminelli shared. “It could mean the difference between being able to support a family or struggling to support oneself.”

Currently, she and her boyfriend are caring for two dogs, Bowser and Andy, and a cat named Sylvester, affectionately referred to as Pink Nose.

However, not all early voters in Apex share the same concerns about the economy.

Engineer Suresh Balam declined to disclose his preferred candidate.

“Both have their advantages and disadvantages,” he remarked about Trump and Harris.

Regarding the state of the economy, Balam commented, “I believe the markets are performing well,” and added that inflation is likely under control. Please rewrite this sentence.

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