MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With early voting underway in Milwaukee, election officials say turnout is beginning to build. As voters head to the polls, a new Marquette Law School poll suggests the biggest factor shaping their decisions isn't the candidates themselves.

From grocery bills to housing costs, inflation continues to be top of mind for voters, according to a national poll from Marquette Law School.

As early voting continues, experts say it's the issues, not just the candidates, that could shape the outcome of the election.

“It was easy, quick, and fast," said Gail Armstrong, an early voter.

Early voting is underway across Milwaukee, where election officials say participation is beginning to pick up after a slow start.

“It’s been kind of a slow turnout but we’re seeing the numbers now increase,” said Paulina Gutierrez, the executive director of the Milwaukee Elections Commission. 

Polling locations remain open and fully staffed through Sunday, but officials say daily early voting totals have yet to top 1,000 ballots. 

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“So, we are fully staffed. We’re doing great. In fact, we are no longer accepting applications because our training is done and we’ve got less than a week to go," said Gutierrez.

As voters cast their ballots, the latest national Marquette Law School poll says one issue stands out more than the rest.

“The common theme throughout all of those is how much it costs to live these days," said Charles Franklin, the director of the Marquette Law School poll.

Thirty-five percent of voters identify the cost of living as their top concern.

“We’ve seen that at the top of voters' concerns since at least the spring of 2022, and it has remained that way ever since," said Franklin.

A Wisconsin Marquette Law School poll shows State Representative Francesca Hong leads with 38% support, but 34% of Democratic primary voters remain undecided.

“That’s the big unknown going in," said Franklin.

For some voters though, their minds are made up.

“Get out here and vote. It’s real easy, and it’s real quick. You don’t have to wait long," said Armstrong.

For early voting locations and hours, click here.