With just one month until the 2024 presidential election, the majority of voters have already made their choice. But in Wisconsin, a state that has swung back and forth between Democrat and Republican in recent elections, a small group of undecided voters could ultimately decide the outcome. These voters, estimated to be in the low single digits, are carefully weighing their options, and their concerns provide a glimpse into the issues that are top-of-mind for many voters in this pivotal swing state.
One such voter, 86-year-old Edgar Schiekiera of Waukesha, Wisconsin, is an immigrant from Germany who vividly remembers World War II. He is hesitant to cast his vote for former President Trump for a third term, citing concerns about Trump’s foreign policy comments. “I voted for Trump the first year. I voted for him the second year. I don’t—this time, I don’t know,” he said. Schiekiera is particularly troubled by Trump’s stance on the NATO Alliance and his comments about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “He wants to quit it, and he doesn’t know what to do,” he said, expressing his fear that Trump’s policies could create “a real danger overseas.” He also expressed concern about Trump’s handling of the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, questioning his ability to effectively resolve these international crises.
While Schiekiera is uncertain about Trump, he is not convinced by Vice President Kamala Harris either. He acknowledges that both candidates face significant challenges in navigating the current global landscape, expressing doubt about their ability to lead effectively in the face of international tensions. In addition to foreign policy, Schiekiera is also considering issues like abortion, noting that Trump’s positions on this and other key matters seem to have shifted over time. “Trump’s gone one way, and then he [goes] to another way. He’s undecided what he’s going to do, really,” he observed.
Meanwhile, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, another undecided voter, Keon Pierce, is completely ruling out Trump. He is leaning towards Harris, but he is not fully convinced. Pierce’s primary concern is ensuring that the next president prioritizes the well-being of all Americans, regardless of their race or ethnicity. “I’m waiting to see who has the best—the best protection for different groups of people. You know, the best rights and best laws that can help all groups of people,” he said. Pierce expressed disappointment that the presence of a Black president, Barack Obama, did not necessarily translate into tangible benefits for the Black community. He is looking for a candidate who can effectively address the needs of all Americans, including minorities.
Pierce is also open to considering Green Party candidate Jill Stein, who has successfully secured a spot on the Wisconsin ballot after a legal challenge to remove her candidacy was unsuccessful. However, he is not yet ready to commit to a specific choice, acknowledging the challenges facing his community in Milwaukee, which he described as “bad… really segregated, and opportunities are limited.” He wants to hear concrete plans for increasing opportunities, jobs, education, and improving the inner-city school system before making a final decision.
In the latest Marquette Law School poll, Harris holds a slight lead over Trump among registered voters in Wisconsin, with 49% support for Harris compared to 44% for Trump. The poll, which surveyed 882 registered voters between September 18th and 26th, has a margin of error of +/-4.4 percentage points. With the election drawing nearer, the concerns and preferences of these undecided voters in Wisconsin provide valuable insights into the critical issues that will shape the outcome of the 2024 presidential race.
