The majority of New Jerseyans have a poor view of the economy, and a growing percentage are struggling to afford basic necessities, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.

The poll was released on Election Day in a race to select a new governor where both Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli have focused their campaigns on economic anxiety and cost-of-living issues.

Nearly 70% of voters viewed the economy negatively on both the national and local scale, regardless of age, income, race or education, according to the new poll.

“For most New Jerseyans, pessimism continues to permeate their views on both the state and national economies,” said Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University.

The dramatic differ

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