Since the 1980s, geographical location, identity politics and public policy have markedly shifted the rural vote toward the Republican Party. Individuals are concerned about the future of education, healthcare and the economy. In close national races, rural Americans cannot be discounted in national elections; they are individuals who have waited for decades for a candidate to address their values.
Today, there is a large concern among voters that both political parties have overlooked their perspectives. On popular issues such as the economy and education, many feel that neither party speaks to their concerns. In a recent Rural Democracy Initiative poll, 57% of rural voters favored a pro-worker economic plan, yet these voters are often disillusioned by political promises.
Both candidates in this election must consider their policies toward union workers and the middle class. Interestingly, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign features tax cuts for these families. According to her official campaign website, “more than 100 million working and middle-class Americans will get a tax cut.” She plans to do this by restoring the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Among rural voters, they see both political parties as extremes of each other. A Democratic voter in North Carolina said, “If the two parties are going to be polar opposites on every issue, then it’s just a scam.” Many voters want flexibility in politics; they are looking to support initiatives like abortion but also want access to gun ownership.
It is important to note that broad generalizations of rural voters are often harmful for creating unity in a divided country. Not all rural voters are pro-Trump extremists. It is also true that moderate politics cannot satisfy every voter, and progress is an ideal that not all are equally committed to.
On election day, there may be some voters who simply would not be willing to support a Democratic candidate, especially when large economic questions are on the line. Although recent social movements have informed national politics, there is also a “political narrative construction by Republicans.” Former President Donald Trump’s politics are not representative of populist views; they are imitations of the needs of his supporters.
It is no coincidence that the Rural Youth Voter Fund described rural America as the “least contacted and most undecided demographic.” It is imperative that voting be made accessible for individuals across the country, not solely in urban centers or swing states. It is a larger electoral issue that severely underestimates the rural vote while placing disproportionate value on urban populations.
There are 21 days until election day, and in many states early voting has already begun. Although it may be difficult to substantially change the voting behavior of any demographic, there is an increasing movement to obtain rural votes. After all, it is about the people behind the vote, not about their ability to win an election.
When a candidate denounces healthcare platforms and celebrates the overturning of Roe v. Wade, individuals should be wary of his ability and talents as president. Yet, Harris is in a difficult position during this election. Although urban voters often are pockets of progressive voting, rural voting blocs are governed by moderate politics that favor local jobs and manufacturing. There is no doubt the stakes in this election are high for many voters. Some are willing to overlook Trump’s fiery rhetoric and controversial actions throughout his political career.
Some people simply want to be in the position to buy a home, and that heavily influences their vote. Others are looking for more equitable systems in this country. Many of these values intersect with each other, and individuals use the ranking of these values to inform their voting behavior.
It was recently the destruction caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton that showed how vulnerable rural communities are when faced with adversity. Harris’s policies may be the first step to bridge a gap between urban and rural, progressive and conservative. Yet, there is a great deal of effort that must be made to meet the needs of people not only on the ballot but within their geographic regions as well.
Aiden is a freshman studying journalism. Please note that the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Aiden? Reach him on Instagram at @aiden_with_an_i_ or email him at ar260223@ohio.edu.
