The Dickinson Press conducted exit polling on Tuesday at the Prairie Hills Mall and Henry Biesiot Activities Center, where the state of the economy, ongoing coronavirus pandemic and response emerged as top issues for voters in the 2020 presidential election.
According to early results from The Press survey of early and Election Day voters, about a third of respondents identified the economy as the most decisive issue in how they voted for president, while at the local level name recognition, the handling of Covid-19 and local concerns in administration of government were among the most driving factors for voting.
When asked about the tradeoff between containing the coronavirus and rebuilding the economy, 80% of voters believed rebuilding the economy was most pressing.
Exit polling projected a possible landslide victory in Stark County District 1 election and possible election day clash for the District 5 seat.
Based on data collected Bernie Marsh appeared a favorite over longtime incumbent Pete Kuntz, for the District 1 seat by an ever growing margin. Marsh’s votes seemed to unite men and women and garnered the confidence of many of the younger voters. For Kuntz, voters tended to be in the 65 and older demographic and leaned slightly higher among females than males.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the District 5 race, exit polling indicated a potentially tight race between Neal Messer and Lesley Ross, though Messer appeared to edge Ross in key demographics. Women were the most divided demographic, as Ross and Messer split votes according to The Press’ exit polling.
Stay tuned to The Dickinson Press for updated information as election results begin trickling in, and follow The Press on Facebook and Twitter @TheDickinsonPress.
