Voters trust Republicans more than Democrats on most key issues, new data shows

Voters trust Republicans more than Democrats to handle almost all major policy issues going into this election, according to exclusive polling data from Savanta forThe Independent.

The nationwide survey, which questioned 1,892 registered voters from 9 to 13 August, found that thefive most important issues in this election are the economy, inflation, healthcare, jobs, and crime.

But healthcare is the only issue where voters place their trust in Democrats (53 per cent) over Republicans (38 per cent); while the GOP is perceived as better placed to manage all other major topics.

This is a major barrier which Harris must overcome, with all eyes on the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago this week where Democrats are expected to roll-out their main policy platform.

For latest updates on the DNC, click here.

With just under a month as the Democratic presidential candidate, Harris has yet to distinguish herself from the current administration’s position on major policies.

Though analysis shows that Harris often veers to the left when compared to incumbent President Joe Biden, voters may not yet be convinced of her ideas.

One in five (18 per cent) of voters say they are likely to change their mind about who they will vote for in November, The Independent can exclusively reveal – meaning that no vote is in-hand until ballots are cast, and both parties must be able to present strong policy positions which resonate with voters.

People appear to be less convinced on the Democratic party’s policies – despite the fact that US voters overall are leaning more towards Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, whose favorability is higher than Donald Trump’s.

In particular, the polls have consistently shown that voters trust