Most Americans Report Anxiety, Frustration About 2024 Presidential Race as Election Day Nears

A new poll shows that the vast majority of Americans are following the 2024 presidential campaign closely as it heats up in its final days, but they also find the race for the White House anxiety-provoking and nerve-wracking.

Interest in the 2024 presidential race is high across the political spectrum. High levels of engagement were reported by both Democrats (80 percent) and Republicans (77 percent), per the AP/NORC poll. While interest was lower among Independents (54 percent), the fact that a majority of voters without party affiliation reported being tuned into the presidential campaign suggests that even traditionally less engaged groups view this election as significant. Americans’ level of interest was lower in the two prior presidential election cycles.

While engagement is high in the 2024 presidential race, so is a sense of unease. The poll reveals that 69 percent of Americans feel frustrated by the campaign, possibly reflecting a sentiment of dissatisfaction with the political climate and/or campaign strategies. High levels of frustration were reported by affiliates of both major parties, with 72 percent of Democrats and 68 percent of Republicans describing their experience of the campaign as frustrating. Independents share this frustration, mirroring the levels seen among partisans.

Anxiety is also widespread, with 69 percent of respondents describing it as a feeling that reflects their view of the 2024 presidential campaign. Democrats appear to be feeling more anxious, with 79 percent expressing this sentiment, compared to 66 percent of Republicans. Independents seem to be feeling considerably less anxious about the race than either of the major political camps, with only 49 percent identifying anxiety as part of their election experience.

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Excitement, by contrast, is low. Barely 36 percent of respondents report feeling excited about the campaign, a decrease from previous election cycles. Among Democrats, 37 percent say they are excited, while 41 percent of Republicans share that sentiment. Election enthusiasm was lower among Independents, with just 24 percent describing the campaign as exciting.

The relative absence of excitement—paired with high levels of anxiety, frustration, and interest—suggests that Americans are worried about the outcome of the 2024 presidential contest and what may follow after all ballots have been cast.