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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Poll: Rural NV voters shouldn't be overlooked

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Thursday, October 17, 2024   

The battleground state of Nevada and its voters matter in this upcoming election. While the Silver State has about 15% of its voters living in rural parts of the state, they tend to be swing voters. That is a trend that is being seen nationally, which could prove to be a determining factor in this year's tight race. Their biggest concerns are the economy, threats to democracy, and abortion - according to a new Rural Democracy Initiative poll.

Sarah Jaynes, executive director with the Rural Democracy Initiative, says these voters want elected leaders to make lowering costs and increasing wages for working people a priority, not cutting taxes for the rich or deregulating corporations.

"They're very focused on working people as kind of the heroes of the economy, and concerns that impact working-class people. Rural people and small-town folks are more likely to be working class. About 70% of rural folks are working class," she said.

Seventy-one percent of rural voters agreed with the statement, "True patriotism is protecting the freedom to live our lives as we choose." Just 23% agreed that "patriotism is about preserving a traditional way of life." The poll was conducted between August 28th and September 8th in ten battleground states.

Nearly eight in ten rural voters are firmly against banning abortion. Jaynes noted that's the same number pollsters saw in a similar survey in March.

"They either said that they were against abortion themselves, but didn't think that the government should control a woman's choice in the matter," she said. "Or they just thought that abortion should be legal."

The poll shows Donald Trump with an 18-point lead over Kamala Harris among likely rural voters. But that is down from a 26% lead over President Joe Biden in March, before Harris announced her campaign. Jaynes said the big takeaway for both major parties should be that rural voters want to see worker-centered policies.

"People want to make sure that they have the tools and the opportunities to create a good life for themselves and their families. And that shows up in their support for child care and health care," she continued.

Disclosure: Rural Democracy Initiative contributes to our fund for reporting on Environment, Health Issues, Rural/Farming, Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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