Economy, Democracy, Abortion: Key issues for American voters as contest between Trump, Harris remain razor-thin

As millions of Americans cast their ballots to decide the 47^th President of the United States, early exit polls revealed the primary concerns driving

voter sentiment

in this closely watched election.
According to initial data from CBS News, the state of democracy ranks as the most pressing issue for the majority of voters. Nearly six in ten Americans cited it as their primary concern, reflecting heightened awareness around democratic integrity amidst a turbulent political climate.
Following democracy, abortion emerged as a key issue for voters, with approximately 5% marking it as a crucial factor. Meanwhile, more than one in ten voters identified the economy as their top priority, highlighting the varied concerns shaping this historic election.
This year's race, which sees former President Donald Trump going head-to-head with Democratic candidate vice president Kamala Harris, has been widely regarded as one of the most consequential in recent history.

CNN’s exit poll data indicates that roughly three-quarters of the electorate hold a pessimistic view of the country’s current trajectory. Only about a quarter expressed feelings of enthusiasm or satisfaction, while over four in ten reported dissatisfaction and about three in ten described themselves as "angry" about the current state of affairs.
Despite these sentiments, voter optimism persists, with more than six in ten respondents expressing confidence that America’s best days lie ahead. Roughly one-third, however, voiced concerns that the nation's peak may be behind it. President Joe Biden’s approval ratings, meanwhile, continue to decline, with only four in ten voters endorsing his performance and a clear majority expressing disapproval.
The contest between Harris, 60, and Trump, 78, remains razor-thin, with polling in battleground states like Pennsylvania giving Harris a slight edge in recent weeks.