Las Vegas, often dubbed America’s playground, is buzzing with energy as the 2024 presidential election looms just around the corner. Yet for many who call this city home, the excitement is overshadowed by stark economic realities. With soaring prices and persistent unemployment, residents are grappling with financial hardships—issues they are likely to weigh heavily as they head to the polls on November 5.
Among those feeling the pressure is Sally Uribe, a 40-year-old waitress who’s witnessed significant changes over the years. Once earning substantial tips on shifts at the casino, Uribe now juggles three jobs just to pay the bills. “When Trump was president, I only worked 40 hours a week, if even,” she shared, reflecting on her past. “Now, I’m struggling to make ends meet. Everything just went skyrocketing—gas, groceries, you name it.” Her frustrations echo those of many Nevadans, who find themselves facing higher living costs.
Spencer Lindsay, another Las Vegas worker, expresses similar sentiments. He noted, “Most voters I talk to are concerned about the basics—medications, food prices, and gas expenses.” He’s part of the Culinary Union, representing 60,000 workers, and he’s backing Kamala Harris, believing she can address these pressing issues. Across the board, it seems economic concerns are at the forefront of voters’ minds, making the election even more challenging for candidates.
With the stakes high, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are both laying down their visions for Nevada, hoping to capture the six Electoral College votes at play. Recent polls from FiveThirtyEight show the race is incredibly tight, with both candidates neck-and-neck. Four out of ten residents have declared the economy their primary issue, according to Emerson College. The situation is particularly severe for those living and working within Clark County, where approximately two-thirds of Nevada’s population resides.
Las Vegas, known for its leisure and hospitality sector, is home to numerous service industry jobs, which constitute about one-quarter of all employment within the state. The pandemic exacerbated existing economic difficulties; during the shutdown, Las Vegas witnessed unemployment rates soar to about 30%. Now, as the city has reopened for its trademark mega-conventions and concert events, there's still an unsettling echo of the pandemic's impact. Unemployment rates hover around 5.6%—the highest in the nation.
For those like Gallego Perez, who has struggled to find stable work since losing his job four years ago, the reality is grim. Meanwhile, Sam Mitchell, another local, knows all too well how quickly life's circumstances can change. Once identified as conservative, he laments the harsh cuts to social programs and support for working-class Americans, remarking, “It all snowballs.” Struggles like Mitchell's reflect the pervasive uncertainty felt by many.
When it gets down to brass tacks, many of Nevada's low-wage workers are focused on the basics—finding solutions to the challenges of rent and childcare. Life’s high costs push residents like Nicole Williams, who supports her seven children, to the brink. “We haven’t been able to do the things we want to do,” she lamented during a grocery run. According to her, the price of essentials feels higher than ever.
The candidates are doing their best to connect with voters based on these economic pressures. While Harris promotes the expansion of COVID-era policies, including enhanced childcare tax credits, Trump is advocating for tax policy changes such as making tips tax-free—a move welcomed by workers. The idea is particularly appealing to service workers, who rely significantly on tips as part of their income.
“We live on our tips,” explained Lindsay. “If either candidate can address taxes on tips, they will get our support.” During the connection events leading up to the election, voters have been vocal about their economic woes. For many service workers, the promise of tax-free tips is more than just financial relief; it’s also about feeling valued and supported.
Those figures add to the complexity of the election. Political insiders offer insights about the growing weight of undecided independent voters, who make up roughly one-third of Nevada’s electorate. This demographic may tip the scale, as they lean slightly more Republican than Democrat. The Culinary Union’s endorsement of Harris could influence perceptions, but the equally strong sentiments for Trump signify major competition.
Both parties are running campaigns to rally support through door-to-door initiatives. Residents are being met by enthusiastic canvassers who share information and encourage participation.stories of real-life struggles are shared through these interactions, capturing the emotional toll on families struggling to navigate daily life amid financial adversity.
Trump’s recent rally proposals have caught significant attention—like suggestions to eliminate income taxes altogether, which he claims will help rebound the economy. While Harris counters with promises of protecting current aid and extending child care subsidies, she faces the challenge of selling voters on her vision amid criticism surrounding rising costs and inflation.
For many low-income families, the debate extends beyond mere party lines. They want tangible solutions to tangible problems. “How are we to choose during this political game?” asked Bianca Garziola, who sells political merchandise. She made clear how heavily the decision will weigh on pocketbooks. At the end of the day, she mused, “Trump may be winning sales on shirts, but what I need is for the right policies—whoever they come from.”
Efforts from both campaigns have ramped up significantly as election day nears. This leads to what will be characterized as one of the most consequential elections for the state. Seeing how residents prioritize their voting will offer insights not just for Nevada, but for the nation as it transitions toward its next presidential term.
Looking at the broader picture indicates how tight the race is and how economic challenges are fuelling discussions among families who wish for improved conditions. Undeniably, how candidates respond to daily lives—whether it be kitchen-table issues or big-picture policies—will play out over the votes counted on November 5.
With so much at stake, both political parties are emphasizing their messages of economic recovery, yet Nevadans—grounded by their lived experiences—are poised to respond with their own actions at the ballot box. The road to addressing affordability and job security extends beyond mere promises; it’s about delivering real, impactful change.”
