According to Google search trends, four issues are at the forefront of the minds of Virginia voters going into the election.
As America ramps up to choose its next president, it’s important to know what our state has in mind going into the polls.
With the help of the Associated Press and Google, we can whittle down what issues Virginia voters are worried about.
Over the past roughly 30 days, Virginia voters took to Google to search for the issues that matter most to them. The issues were: Social Security, crime, the economy, abortion, and immigration.
Social Security
Virginia’s estimated population was 8.6 million, as of 2022. Out of this 8.6 million, 1.9 million folks were over the age of 60.
Since almost 25% of Virginia’s population is over 60, it makes sense that this issue is on the minds of voters throughout the commonwealth.
According to the search data from Google, Social Security is the most searched issue for Virginia in the last month. In the face of growing elderly populations and other troubles surrounding Social Security, Virginians are worried about keeping their benefits—and ensuring the next generation receives those benefits.
Presidential candidate Kamala Harris plans to increase taxes for wealthier populations to bolster the program.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) has built her governess campaign around this issue as well, as she advocates for more Social Security benefits and easier access to the program.
Crime
The second-most important issue to Virginians is crime. According to Virginia State Police, homicides, vehicle thefts, drug arrests, and burglaries all increased from 2021 to 2022.
Virginians are worried about their safety, but it’s important to note that Virginia’s crime rate is below the national average.
Women’s Rights
Abortion is still legal in Virginia, though Gov. Glenn Youngkin is looking to put more restrictions on contraception access and women’s healthcare.
Meanwhile. Kamala Harris said she supports eliminating the filibuster in the US Senate in order to restore the federal abortion rights granted under Roe v. Wade.
The Senate filibuster rule requires a 60-vote threshold for most legislation to pass, making it virtually impossible to pass abortion rights legislation due to Republican opposition. Without a filibuster, a law restoring Roe could pass with a simple majority, or 51 Senate votes.
Immigration
Unlike some southern states, like, say, Texas, Virginia does not share a border with other counties.
Relatively low percentages of immigrants make up Virginia’s workforce, and a majority of immigrants in the state are naturalized US citizens.
Before you head to the polls, make sure you know where the candidates on your ballot stand on certain issues. Do they want to protect women’s rights? Will they work to keep Social Security? Be sure your vote goes toward the candidate who best aligns with your values.
