**Georgia's Electoral Battle: Trump and Harris in Tight Race Amid Economic and Democratic Concerns**

The fight for Georgia's 16 electoral votes remains fiercely contested. In a state that narrowly turned blue in the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump currently holds a slight lead over Kamala Harris, with 51% of likely voters favoring him, and Harris trailing just two points behind. Financial issues continue to bolster Trump’s support, albeit not to the same extent as they did against Joe Biden. Conversely, concerns over democracy are keeping Harris competitive in this crucial battleground state.

Economic challenges are a significant aspect of this year’s election. Many Georgian voters feel financially worse off compared to their pre-pandemic situation. Approximately half of the state’s registered voters believe that Trump’s policies in a second term would benefit them financially, a sentiment that has remained consistent since the spring. Only one-third feel the same about Harris, indicating slight improvement compared to President Biden’s standing in Georgia. Rising costs, particularly in housing, remain a dominant concern, with eight in 10 voters stating that their income fails to keep up with inflation and seven in 10 deeming local housing unaffordable. Both candidates are seen as equally capable of addressing the housing issue.

Amid economic woes, the state of democracy also plays a crucial role in voter decision-making. The 2020 election's aftermath still impacts the political climate, with a divided opinion on the recent actions of Georgia’s State Election Board. Democrats exhibit higher confidence in the integrity of the election system, while skepticism remains prevalent among Republicans, particularly concerning debunked claims of widespread voter fraud in 2020. Notably, four in 10 Trump supporters advocate for challenging and investigating Georgia’s 2024 election results should Harris prevail.

Gun violence and abortion are critical issues eliciting robust responses from Georgia’s electorate. Following a tragic school shooting, a majority express deep concern about gun violence in schools, with six in 10 voters favoring stricter laws on gun sales. Although Harris holds a slight edge on addressing gun violence, neither candidate sees strong support for their policies in effectively reducing it. On abortion, a majority of voters support legal access, with six in 10 favoring legality in most or all cases. This majority includes one-third of Republicans, yet views diverge on Georgia's current restrictive abortion law.

The electoral landscape displays distinct demographic splits. While Harris garners substantial backing from Black voters, it's slightly less than the support Mr. Biden received in 2020, with Harris performing marginally better among Black women compared to Black men. Trump commands a significant lead among male voters, whereas Harris's lead among women is narrower, creating a gender gap similar to the 2020 election.

Voter engagement is poised to be a decisive factor. With mail-in voting already underway, Democrats are expected to secure an early lead. In-person early voting, which begins in mid-October, remains the preferred method, evenly split between Harris and Trump supporters. A higher turnout is anticipated on Election Day compared to 2020, favoring Trump significantly.

This analysis stems from a CBS News/YouGov survey conducted between September 20-24, 2024, sampling 1,441 registered Georgia voters. The margin of error stands at ±3.5 points, providing critical insight into the current electoral dynamics in Georgia.