For Kern County voter Destinee Davis, rising prices are leaving little room for anything beyond the essentials. Her concerns reflect the financial pressures several voters described while dropping off ballots in downtown Bakersfield.

Here's what to know

Housing costs and fuel prices were part of a wider set of economic concerns that voters told KBAK were influencing their choices ahead of the midterm elections.

Gasoline was one part of the broader concern about high prices that local voter Les Reed raised.

"Basically, [I] just wish they'd come down a little bit," he explained to the station.

Voter Eric Eisenhammer wanted jobs and support for taxpayers from leaders. He described fuel as "ridiculously expensive these days" to KBAK.

With costs mounting, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. Palmetto is currently running an exclusive offer for Southern California residents that allows customers to save an average of 40% on their electric bills with $0 down.

More background

Restrictions on oil and gas production near homes concerned voter Brett Cooper, who put constitutional rights ahead of affordability in remarks to KBAK.

"Property rights are being infringed on because I may not be able to produce oil and gas if I have a neighbor over here that has a house within a quarter of a mile or a third of a mile from me," Cooper said.

Cooper opposed those restrictions but did not identify a specific law.

Beyond prices at the pump, the fossil fuel industry poses risks to surrounding communities. Coal and natural gas power plants contribute to air and water pollution linked to asthma, heart disease, cancer, and premature death.

Reliance on these fuels can also keep household energy costs high compared with more abundant sunlight and wind. Industry lobbying, meanwhile, delays cleaner, cheaper energy solutions that could help protect families and reduce their bills.

What can be done?

Davis expressed dissatisfaction with Republican leadership to the outlet, while Eisenhammer wanted leaders who would support taxpayers and employment.

The consensus was that everything was just too expensive. Whether the party that prevails makes a dent in these issues will be closely watched.

"Everything is higher, rent is higher, gas is higher, so it makes it hard to have like extra money in your pocket to go and have fun and do things," Davis concluded to KBAK.

For eligible households looking beyond gasoline expenses, Palmetto offers another way to address energy bills. With Palmetto's help, the average Southern California resident can save 40% on their electric bills, which can add up to thousands of dollars per year. The offer's $0-down option removes an upfront payment barrier to pursuing those savings.

Those electricity savings would help cover a separate household expense rather than eliminate the rent and gasoline pressures Davis described.

Where can I learn more?

Rent and fuel costs are straining budgets in Pennsylvania and across California, too. 

• In Pennsylvania, gas, rent, and grocery bills became central issues in the governor's race.

• Kern County drivers cut back as diesel reached $7.81 per gallon and gasoline topped $5.85.

• California drivers faced $5.62 gas as Hanford's monthly fuel bill approached $94,000, straining the city's budget.

• California Governor Gavin Newsom urged an early winter-blend switch as gasoline prices neared record levels.

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