WORCESTER, Mass. - Election surveys show Massachusetts voters were more concerned about jobs and the economy this election cycle than last, and COVID-19 concerns have decreased significantly. 

AP Votecast, a survey conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago, captures voters' shifting attitudes on issues and candidates. More than 2,000 Massachusetts voters were surveyed, and 43% singled out jobs and the economy as the most pressing issue facing the country. When the same survey was conducted in 2020, COVID-19 was the top issue for 51% of respondents. A summary of the changing trends is included below.

Other survey questions further highlight Massachusetts voters' growing concerns about the economy: 74% of respondents believed the economy is in 'not so good' or 'poor' condition, compared to 64% in 2020 and 32% in 2018.

Matthew Motta, a professor of health law, policy and management at Boston University, offered some perspective on voters' shifting priorities. 

"Concerns about the economy and dissatisfaction with Joe Biden's performance in office obviously loomed large," Motta said. "But we're also seeing that issues related to women's reproductive healthcare and access to it, as well as concerns about the future of democracy in this country, did loom large for many voters."

In Massachusetts, President Biden saw a slight dip in popularity, with 55% of respondents signaling they were 'very favorable' or 'somewhat favorable.' Former President Donald Trump, meanwhile, saw a minor boost relative to 2020. Back then, 30% of respondents were 'very favorable' or 'somewhat favorable', compared to 36% this year. 

Motta said the focus of Massachusetts voters was also drawn toward New Hampshire this election cycle, with a blitz of campaign ads targeted for Granite Staters also airing in eastern Massachusetts.

"The Boston media market saw the second largest increase of campaign advertising anywhere in the country, and the reason why has to do with the senate race," Motta said. "Obviously, we didn't have a senate race here in Massachusetts, but New Hampshire did. Because the Boston media market intersects with southern New Hampshire, all the money that was poured into that New Hampshire senate race spilled over."

For more information on AP Votecast, click here.