Survey Finds Voters Want Elected Officials to Prioritize Job Quality and Education Affordability

Voter Views on Their Own Financial Footing and Economic Opportunity

The survey found broad-based economic anxiety heading into November:

• 53% of voters feel economically secure. That drops to 42% of Independents, compared to 50% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans.
• Among voters in the labor force, women who are registered Independent voters are the least optimistic about AI’s impact on their careers. Just 21% are optimistic, compared to 45% of Independent men and 47% among all voters in the labor force (i.e. employed or unemployed but looking for work).
• Voters are worried about being able to get another job should they lose their current one. Only 63% of voters with a job said they agree (strongly or somewhat) that if they lost their job in the next 12 months they could find a new one that pays the same or higher wage.
• Less than half of voters can afford education and training. 43% of voters agree (strongly or somewhat) that they have enough money for themselves or a member in their household to enroll in a college degree program, while 48% say they can afford a nondegree training program.

Voter Views on Education, Training, and Quality Jobs

Fewer than half are satisfied with the attention elected officials are giving to improving the quality of jobs (47%), helping people access them (45%), and making education and training affordable (45%).

The survey revealed strong bipartisan support for policies that connect education and training to quality jobs:

• Expanding partnerships between schools and businesses that provide work-based learning experiences to students: 80% of Democrats, 77% of Republicans, and 74% of Independents
• Providing robust funding for apprenticeship programs: 82% of Democrats, 75% of Republicans, and 70% of Independents
• Allowing people to use government-funded financial aid for short-term, nondegree programs that teach job-related skills: 81% of Democrats, 75% of Republicans, and 71% of Independents
• Assisting workers who have lost their jobs due to AI with living expenses, job search assistance, and education and training: 81% of Democrats, 70% of Republicans, and 68% of Independents
• Increase tax credits or grants for employers who pay for education and training for workers who are in need of upskilling or reskilling due to technological advances in labor market: 74% of Democrats, 70% of Republicans, and 68% of Independents.