Voter feelings about the 2024 race for U.S. President are complicated - Pew Research

Amid a closely contested presidential race, voters find themselves in a complex emotional landscape. The 2024 election has elicited a range of sentiments, from cautious consideration to outright dissatisfaction, according to Pew Research.

About half of voters (49%) have devoted significant thought to the candidates vying for the presidency in 2024. This statistic mirrors the sentiment observed at a similar juncture four years ago when 51% expressed the same level of contemplation. The electorate is actively engaging with the political process, weighing the merits and drawbacks of each contender.

However, a notable shift has occurred. The share of voters who believe that the outcome of the election truly matters has declined by 5 percentage points since April 2020. Presently, 69% assert that “it really matters who wins” in November. This decline in urgency suggests a nuanced perspective, perhaps influenced by the tumultuous events of recent years.

A Desire for Alternatives

Interestingly, most voters express a desire for change. Despite both Joe Biden and Donald Trump securing their respective party nominations, 49% of voters would opt to replace both candidates on the ballot if given the chance. The sentiment extends across party lines, transcending partisan loyalties. Some envision alternative scenarios: 16% would retain Biden but replace Trump with another Republican, while 18% would keep Trump but swap out Biden for a different Democrat. A pragmatic 15% would maintain the status quo1.

Candidate Consideration

Supporters of both Trump and Biden exhibit similar levels of engagement with the candidates. In April 2020, fresh off a competitive primary, Biden’s supporters were more likely than Trump’s to have thought extensively about the contenders (58% vs. 48%). Today, the balance has shifted, with both camps equally invested in their options.

Candidate Confidence

A defining characteristic of this election cycle is the widespread lack of confidence in either candidate. Voters harbor reservations across various dimensions, including fitness for office, personal ethics, and respect for democratic values. A striking 49% of registered voters would willingly replace both candidates on the ballot if given the opportunity. This sentiment underscores the prevailing skepticism and underscores the need for a more compelling vision from the contenders.

Conclusion

As the 2024 race unfolds, voters are dealing with a range of emotions, balancing thoughtful consideration with a desire for change. The stakes are high, and the nation watches closely. Whether the eventual victor can inspire renewed confidence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the feelings surrounding this election are as multifaceted as the candidates themselves.

Editor’s note: The data and insights presented in this article are based on research conducted by the Pew Research Center. Read the entire report here.