"How Rural Voters Could Decide the Presidential Race"

As the 2024 presidential election looms, one key demographic that could influence the outcome is rural voters. According to a recent New York Times poll, 31% of rural voters in critical swing states identify as independents, rather than aligning with either major political party.

A Snapshot of Rural Wisconsin

The Wisconsin State Fair, with its iconic corn, cream puffs, and cow exhibitions, provides a perfect backdrop to connect with voters like Michelle Ballweg, a mother of two from Mazomanie.

“For me, rural is a community,” Ballweg shares.

Ballweg is an undecided voter who doesn’t fully align with either of the presidential candidates. "They just aren't very in touch with what the real issues are," she expresses.

This sentiment is echoed by others in the community who feel overlooked on the national stage. "Federally, no. We don't feel like our voices are being heard."

The Stakes for Rural Voters

A New York Times/Sienna poll from early August sampling Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin highlights that 20% of rural voters are dissatisfied with the current candidates.

Katherine J. Cramer, a professor of American Politics at UW-Madison and author of the acclaimed book The Politics of Resentment , notes, "Rural voters in those places... could be the deciding factor."

Cramer, who has spent years engaging with rural communities across Wisconsin, emphasizes that to win over these voters, politicians must visit small towns, listen to concerns, and take meaningful action. “It has to directly address the major concerns that people in our rural communities are feeling,” she says.

Democrats’ Strategy at the Fair

At the State Fair, Democratic volunteers are employing a strategy of engaging directly with voters where they are. Meredith Young, a volunteer for Wisconsin Democrats, explains, “We usually just ask them to be open-minded and listen to what Harris has to say.”

Gloria Hochstein, chair of the Wisconsin Democrats’ Rural Caucus, underscores the importance of focusing on shared values rather than division. “We all want a healthier environment, we all want life to be fair, we all want individual freedoms,” Hochstein states.

Republicans Also Make Their Case

Republicans were also present at the Fair, with a focus on themes of limited government and border control. Don Wright, from rural Campbellsport, WI, highlights concerns over immigration: “Less government control but more control over our borders... so many people are coming in, there’s a lot of fear.”

The Challenge of Choosing

Despite these efforts, voters like Michelle Ballweg still find it difficult to choose between the parties. "Honestly, it's really hard to make sense of it, because everyone is so far left and so far right," she admits.

Cramer concludes that both parties have an opportunity to appeal to voters who desire a politician who genuinely respects them and understands the issues they face. “There’s a potential for both parties to attract people who want something different,” she says.

As the election draws nearer, this same New York Times poll indicates that rural voters in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania are among the most likely to cast their votes. With more than two-thirds of them now paying close attention to the campaigns, their influence on the election’s outcome cannot be underestimated.

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