LYON COUNTY — An exit poll conducted by Southwest Minnesota State University political science students projected Donald Trump would carry 60% of the vote in Lyon County. The 60% mark was a couple of points higher than in the 2016 election.

According to the exit poll, Trump held a clear majority of support among both men and women, private and public sector workers and a tie among students. In 2016, Trump lost handily among women and those with at least a four-year college degree.

The exit poll collected a total of 522 surveys in Lyon County. The 522 responses included 394 from the seven polling locations open Tuesday between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. One hundred and thirty-three surveys were also gathered during the early voting period at the Lyon County Courthouse between Oct. 23-31. Based on the estimated turnout of 12,500 voters, the exit poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2%.

In the Marshall mayoral race, the result was too close to call with incumbent Bob Byrnes and County Commissioner Steve Ritter each possessing about 40% of the vote, while challenger Noel Ayala held roughly 20% of the vote.

DFL congressman Collin Peterson of Minnesota’s 7th District was projected to lose Lyon County for the first time since it was added in 2002. Challenger Michelle Fischbach was running six points behind Trump, a much stronger showing of support than for previous Republican candidates.

Minnesota State Sens. Gary Dahms of District 16 and Bill Weber of District 22 were projected to carry their segments of Lyon County by comfortable margins. Minnesota House Reps. Chris Swedzinski of District 16A and Joe Schomacker of 22A were also projected to carry Lyon County decisively.

Trump voters provided 89% support to Republican Senate candidate Jason Lewis and 80% to Michelle Fischbach. Biden voters showed very similar loyalty to Democrats Tina Smith and Collin Peterson.

Voters choosing “jobs and the economy” as the top issue voted 88% for Trump, while 73% of those selecting “personal traits of the candidate” voted in favor of Biden.

The overall outlook of the country was polarized among voters. Of the 43% who said the country is on the right track, 92% were Trump voters compared to just 8% of Biden voters. The 35% of voters who said the country is on the wrong track were 73% Biden voters, while 22% voted in favor of Trump. The remaining 22% of the vote for “not sure” saw 61% of Trump supporters compared to 30% for Biden.