As Election Day approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are neck-and-neck in Michigan, as shown in an exclusive YSL News/Suffolk University poll.

The poll indicates that both candidates are tied at 47% among 500 likely voters across the state, falling within the margin of error of 4.4 percentage points. The polling took place from October 24 to 27.

In Kent County, a key indicator for state trends, Harris holds a slight edge over Trump, 47% to 46% among 300 likely voters. However, this lead is also within a margin of error of 5.7 percentage points, suggesting it could be inconclusive.

“It’s extremely close,” remarked David Paleologos, a pollster who leads Suffolk University’s Political Research Center and conducted this YSL News poll in Michigan. “This is a race that truly falls within the margin of error.”

In the 2016 election, Trump won Kent County against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton with a narrow 48% to 45% margin, paralleling his overall victory in the state. In 2020, however, Democratic nominee Joe Biden defeated Trump 52% to 46%, reclaiming Michigan.

Paleologos mentioned, “Kent County could play a significant role. The outcomes in the county often reflect what happens statewide. If Harris can secure a 3-4% lead in Kent County, she may be able to achieve a 3% win statewide, assuming past voting patterns hold true.”

Michigan has 15 electoral votes up for grabs and is one of seven crucial swing states being contested by Harris and Trump as they seek the presidency. Traditionally identified as part of the “Blue Wall” along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, these states had supported Democrats for many years before Trump flipped them in his surprising 2016 victory. Biden managed to win these states back in the 2020 election.

Currently, Michigan and the other six swing states are too close to call according to YSL News/Suffolk polling.

Voters in Michigan will see eight presidential candidates on the ballot, including lesser-known third-party candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Jill Stein, and Cornel West, each of whom received around 1% support in the YSL News/Suffolk Poll.

Although Kennedy withdrew from the race in August and has endorsed Trump, he will still appear on Michigan’s ballot after the Supreme Court denied his request for removal from the ballots in Michigan and Wisconsin. Kennedy aims to avoid siphoning votes from Trump in those states.

However, Paleologos warns that this may have unintended consequences.

“In typical circumstances, a candidate with just 1% wouldn’t be a concern, but with such a close race, it certainly could influence the outcome,” Paleologos noted. “Any of these third-party candidates could impact Michigan’s results and, consequently, the entire election.”

Voters Express Strong Opinions

Linda Randle, a 68-year-old resident from Lathrop Village, Michigan, shared that she has already cast her vote for Harris because she believes the Democratic candidate will prioritize the needs of all Americans.

“I truly think she has the best interests of people at heart, regardless of their political affiliation,” Randle stated. “Her plans, particularly those regarding the economy and housing, are designed to assist not just Democrats but also Republican voters and independents. If you’re eligible, it will benefit you.”

A retired administrative assistant and mother, Randle encourages everyone to vote, irrespective of their preferred candidates.

“My hope is for the U.S. to unify and address our issues through dialogue instead of competition,” she expressed. “That is my prayer — for us to come together as a nation.”

On the other hand, Ben Gottwald, a 34-year-old from Traverse City, plans to vote for Trump, believing the former president can improve the economy and curb spending.

“He’s not without his flaws,” Gottwald admitted. “I felt he did the best he could during his first term. My main concern was his spending patterns, which contributed significantly to America’s deficit.”

A Marine veteran who served eight months in Afghanistan, Gottwald expressed frustration with both parties’ inability to work together in Congress. He suspects many politicians are more interested in personal gain rather than serving the public.

“Nothing changes because it’s mutually beneficial for them and the lobbyists,” Gottwald criticized.

A contractor by trade, Gottwald has heard from many Americans who want to buy homes but find it unaffordable, which he believes negatively impacts his business. He feels the housing market was more stable during Trump’s administration.

“Owning a home used to represent the American Dream, providing a sense of achievement and equity. However, that dream now seems increasingly unattainable.”

Charles Swanson, a 32-year-old resident of Auburn Hills, Michigan, admitted he cast his vote for Harris mainly because of his opposition to Trump.

Swanson is a married physician specializing in internal medicine and pediatrics. He appreciates Harris’s commitment to addressing climate change and her support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia, which he believes Trump and his associate JD Vance wouldn’t prioritize.

“She appears to be empathetic and genuinely cares for people,” stated Swanson, a Democrat who expresses “mixed feelings” about Harris. “I agree with her foreign policy stances, but I’m not particularly fond of her economic or immigration strategies. I also think she managed the border issue poorly.”

Nonetheless, Swanson believes Harris has done enough to merit his vote compared to Trump.

“Trump attempted to undermine the last election, which I believe disqualifies him from running again,” he remarked. “I was also troubled by the lawlessness during his administration, its corruption, and his criminal record.”

Meanwhile, Jolynn Harris, a 73-year-old from Adrian, Michigan, shared her intention to vote for Trump this week to avoid long lines on Election Day. The retired sales worker from a manufacturing firm wants Trump to continue his previous work.

“I don’t need him to be my best friend; I just want someone who can get things done,” said Harris, a Republican for over four decades. “Trump reduced our taxes and started constructing the southern border wall. He still has work ahead.”

A mother of five grown children and grandmother to 11, Harris stated she lacks admiration for the Vice President and doesn’t feel obligated to vote for her simply because she’s a woman.

“I’m looking for competence, and I don’t see that in her,” Jolynn Harris declared. “In my opinion, she’s not fit for the presidency.”

Harris expressed her eagerness for the election to conclude.

“I believe many will feel the same. I hope for some stability in our nation moving forward. We definitely need it,” she commented. “It seems we are in a significant mess right now, and it will take more than four years to remedy it.”