Statistics can mean more than numbers. According to the Siena College Research Institute, polls can reflect broader attitudes and priorities among voters. During this election cycle, reproductive rights, healthcare, and education issues resonated with female voters. Meanwhile, male voters are focusing more on economic policies and national security.

Travis Brodbeck is the institute’s Associate Director of Data Management. He says these polls play a vital part in elections because they allow politicians to determine which issues to focus on. 

“But when I look at a poll, I see it as an opportunity for voters and citizens to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their elected leaders, especially in non-election years,” Brodbeck said. “Public opinion is powerful in telling “policymakers whether we are in the right or wrong direction.”

The institute’s director, Dony Levy, says that whether it’s a statewide poll or a national poll, researchers can still get a good sample to identify key issues voters are focused on.

“And you may sit there and think, ‘ I can’t believe somebody feels that way. How can anybody feel that way?’ But we’ll show you that 48% of Americans feel that way,” Levy said.

As we move closer to election day, both candidates have been adapting their strategies to engage with both male and female voters. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to education, and systemic inequalities are shaping the electoral landscape. Researchers at the Siena College Research Institute say that gender is playing a big role in this election cycle because of gender-based issues.

According to polls, over the last few election cycles, more women have favored Democrats, while more men voted Republican. In 2020, Biden won 15 points among women; in 2016, Hillary Clinton won 13 points.

“A majority of men right now favor Donald Trump,” Levy said. “A majority of women favor Kamala Harris. If you look at it by race or ethnicity, there has been some erosion of black voters and black support for Kamala Harris. Relatively minor. Specifically amongst younger Black voters. Mostly among young black men.”

When it comes to Hispanic voters, the trump campaign is being criticized for allowing a comedian to disparage Puerto Rico during a rally in New York on Sunday.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly a million Puerto Ricans live in battleground states, making them a key demographic.