Indian-American voters are expected to play a decisive role in the 2024 US elections, especially in key swing states like Pennsylvania and Michigan.

As the 2024 US presidential race enters its final phase, all eyes are on the Indian-American electoral bloc, which is poised to play a crucial role in the outcome of the election. With both major candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, running neck-and-neck in key swing states, Indian-American voters are increasingly seen as a deciding factor. In particular, states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are expected to determine the next president, and the Indian-American vote could be the tipping point.

The growing influence of the Indian-American community

Indian-Americans have become one of the fastest growing demographics in the United States. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Indian-American population grew by 50% between 2010 and 2020, making it the second largest immigrant group in the US after Mexican-Americans. According to the latest estimates, about 5.2 million people of Indian origin live in the US, of which 3.9 million are adults. Within this group, approximately 2.6 million American Indians are eligible voters.

Despite representing a relatively small portion of the general electorate, Indian-Americans’ growing numbers and concentrated presence in key battleground states have made them a focal point for both political campaigns. Indian-American voters represent a significant voting block in these swing states, and their preferences could have a profound impact on the final outcome.

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American Indian voter preferences and trends

While the Indian-American community is diverse and includes people from various political, religious and economic backgrounds, recent surveys provide insight into their voting preferences. According to Carnegie’s Indian American Attitudes Survey (IAAS), 96 percent of Indian American registered voters are expected to cast their ballots in the 2024 elections. This high turnout reflects an engaged and politically active community that she is well aware of his growing influence.

Indian-American voters have leaned heavily toward the Democratic Party in recent elections, with issues such as immigration reform, health care and economic policy taking precedence. However, the 2024 election saw a shift in the dynamic, with some members of the community voicing concerns about economic stability, foreign policy, and national security—issues traditionally emphasized by the Republican Party. This change, combined with the strong presence of Kamala Harris, a daughter of Indian and Jamaican descent, on the Democratic ticket, spurred increased interest in the preferences of Indian-American voters.

Key Battleground States: The Impact of American Indian Voters

Indian-American voters are a significant force in several battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan and North Carolina. In these states, where elections often come down to a narrow margin, Indian Americans could tip the balance in favor of one candidate or the other. In Pennsylvania, for example, a growing number of Indian-American professionals and business owners are becoming politically involved, driven by concerns about immigration and economic recovery policies. In Georgia and Nevada, areas with large South Asian communities, Indian-American voters are increasingly courted by both parties.

Polling data leading up to the election suggests that while Kamala Harris, with her Indian heritage, has garnered strong support among Indian-American voters, there are also pockets of support for Donald Trump. Trump’s message of economic policies, tax cuts and a strong stance on national security resonated with certain segments of the Indian-American community, particularly among those in the business and technology sectors. This split vote among Indian-Americans presents an intriguing dynamic as both candidates scramble to shore up their support in the final days before the election.

American Indian voters as a political force

The growing Indian-American population and increasing political awareness make it clear that this community is becoming an increasingly important voting block. As a group that values ​​education, economic opportunity and social mobility, American Indian voters have the potential to swing elections in key states. In 2024, their participation in the voting process could not only determine the winner of several crucial battleground states, but could also serve as a sign of changing demographics and voting patterns in future elections.

Like both of them Trump and Harris make their final appeals to the Indian-American electorate, it is clear that this community is no longer a silent minority in American politics. The outcome of the 2024 presidential election may well depend on how successfully each candidate can connect with and mobilize this growing and increasingly influential population.

With Indian-American voters poised to play a key role in the 2024 US presidential election, their growing influence in swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Georgia is undeniable. Their high turnout and diverse concerns about issues like immigration, health care and the economy make them a critical demographic for both major parties to engage. As the election results come in, all eyes will be on the Indian-American communities, whose votes could ultimately determine the country’s future.

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