In the wake of the recent elections, a survey conducted by UMBC's Battleground Exit Poll revealed significant insights into the motivations of Baltimore County voters. The survey, which included responses from 1,119 voters between October 31 and November 5, 2024, indicated that 73% supported Question 1, a Constitutional Amendment aimed at protecting reproductive freedom. This reflects a strong pro-choice sentiment, with 69% of respondents identifying as pro-choice compared to 20% who identified as pro-life.
Additionally, economic concerns were prevalent among voters, with 32% feeling that the U.S. economy had worsened over the past year. In contrast, 28% believed the Maryland economy remained stable, while 19% reported it was 'much worse.' The top issues driving voter turnout included abortion rights, inflation, and trust in politicians, with 53% of respondents expressing that they trust the government 'some of the time' and 34% stating they rarely trust it. Furthermore, 55% of voters indicated that they primarily obtain political news from social media platforms.
These findings align with the sentiments expressed by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, who noted that the recent elections were heavily influenced by economic factors and social issues, including reproductive rights. Elrich emphasized the importance of understanding local voter priorities in the context of broader national trends, especially as the county navigates its own initiatives to support diversity and economic growth. [29954882] [613f39a3]