New Poll Shows Equitable Division Among Arab American Voters Ahead of 2024 Presidential Election

A recent poll by the Arab American Institute shows that Arab American voters are evenly split, with Donald Trump at 42% and Kamala Harris at 41%. The Biden Administration’s handling of the Gaza crisis has led to diminished support for President Biden’s policies among this demographic. Enthusiasm for voting has also declined significantly, with only 63% excited to cast their vote this year, a notable decrease from previous elections. Moreover, 81% view the Gaza situation as critical to their voting decisions, underscoring the need for candidates to address these pressing concerns.

A recent poll conducted by the Arab American Institute (AAI) revealed that Arab American voters are now evenly split in their support between political parties regarding the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election. The survey indicates that former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris are nearly tied, with Trump at 42% and Harris at 41% among Arab American respondents. This shift in voter sentiment is largely attributed to the Biden Administration’s handling of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which has notably diminished the support Arab Americans previously extended to President Biden. The survey titled “Arab American Vote 2024” shows that while Kamala Harris has managed to recover some support for the Democratic Party — gaining 41% this election cycle — this figure is still significantly lower than the 59% approval rating Biden received in 2020. AAI has a long-standing history of assessing Arab American voter sentiments and has noted notable fluctuations in party allegiance within this demographic. Currently, the poll indicates that 38% of Arab Americans identify as Republicans, while another 38% identify as Democrats. This marks a rebound from the Democratic Party’s populace being at an all-time low of 23% just a year prior, yet remains below previous levels observed during earlier elections. The enthusiasm toward voting among Arab Americans also appears to have waned, with only 63% expressing excitement about participating in the upcoming election, particularly concerning younger voters aged 18-29, where enthusiasm levels drop to 55%. Arab Americans have historically demonstrated high voter turnout, averaging 80%, thus this decline in enthusiasm may adversely affect turnout rates this year. Moreover, the poll highlights that Israel’s actions in Gaza have generated significant apprehension within the Arab American community; 81% of respondents consider developments in Gaza to be crucial factors influencing their voting decisions. The issues prioritized by the voters include jobs and the economy (39%), the situation in Gaza (26%), and gun violence (21%). Both Trump and Harris stand to gain additional support if they were to advocate for immediate humanitarian interventions related to Gaza. With overall safety concerns rising among Arab Americans, 60% currently express worries regarding their personal safety, reflecting a marked increase from the prior year’s statistics of 45%. Furthermore, a striking 63% report experiencing discrimination rooted in their ethnicity or country of origin, a notable rise from previous surveys. James Zogby, the president of the AAI, stated, “In our thirty years of polling Arab American voters, we have not witnessed anything like the role that the war on Gaza is having on voter behavior.” This statement underscores the far-reaching implications of current global tensions on domestic electoral politics, drawing attention to the necessity for candidates to address Arab American voter concerns as the election rapidly approaches.

This article discusses the findings of a recent poll regarding Arab American voters’ sentiments in the lead-up to the 2024 Presidential Election. Conducted by the Arab American Institute, it presents insight into how shifting political dynamics and external situations, particularly the crisis in Gaza, have influenced Arab American voters’ priorities and preferences. The AAI has a reputation for tracking voter sentiment within the Arab American community over the last three decades, and its findings reveal intriguing trends regarding party affiliation and voter enthusiasm levels. As key issues have emerged, the survey serves as an important measure of how candidates, such as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, may fair with Arab American voters amidst rising political tensions.

The Arab American Institute’s recent poll highlights a significant shift in the political landscape for Arab American voters as they approach the 2024 Presidential Election. With both Trump and Harris almost equally supported, the survey emphasizes the importance of addressing key issues such as the Gaza crisis, job creation, and safety concerns. The findings illustrate a community marked by declining support for traditional party affiliations, signaling a potential change in voting behavior that candidates cannot overlook if they aim to secure electoral success. Additionally, the marked increase in reported discrimination and safety concerns indicates a pressing need for political leaders to engage with Arab American constituents thoughtfully and effectively.

Original Source: www.aaiusa.org