Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:

1. Exit polls are an imperfect measure of the public, and no group of voters is monolithic, however exit polls give us lots of insights into voting behavior. In the 2024 election women made up 53% of all voters. Based on the exit polling data above, what portion of women voted for Kamala Harris?

2. We use the term gender gap describes the gender difference in party preference. According to the data above, describe the gender gap in the 2024 election.

3. What is the best explanation for the gender gap?

4. In the 2024 election, White voters made up 71% of the electorate. Which candidate did White voters prefer?

5. What racial group had the strongest preference for Kamala Harris?

6. According to the data above, what age group had the strongest preference for Donald Trump?

7. It’s interesting to note that the Hispanic vote in the 2020 Presidential election was 65% Democrat to 32% Republican. However, in this year’s election, Democrats were only able to win 53% of the Hispanic vote (down 12% in 4 years). Based on the change since 2020, why do you think the Hispanic vote is trending toward the Republican Party?

8. In 2020 Biden won the youth vote (age 18-29) over Trump by 24 points. In 2024 Harris only won the youth vote by 13 points. Why do you think the youth vote change so much?

9. Based on the exit poll demographics from the visual above draw two conclusions about demographics and voting in 2024.

10. Explain who won the election for Trump.

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Act on your Learning

Education had a big impact on voting in the 2024 election, but so did lots of things. Share your explanation for the factors that led to Trump’s victory with your friends and family.

Get Creative

Complete the following sentence. Kamala Harris is to Donald Trump as _______________ is to ________________.

Learning Extension*

Read the complete exit polling data.