BOSTON -- Massachusetts voters went to the polls Tuesday deeply concerned about the economy and worried that their family finances will suffer over the next year.

Eight-eight percent of voters surveyed in a WCVB-TV/TheBostonChannel.com exit poll said they believe that the current economic crisis would hurt them personally in the year ahead.

The worry reflects a belief of 94 percent of those surveyed that the state of the nation’s economy is either not good or poor. More than half said their personal financial situation is worse than it was four years ago.

While almost 70 percent of those surveyed said they were worried about another major terrorist attack, it was not a significant factor in their decision. Only 11 percent cited concerns about terrorism as a reason for voting for a candidate, while 63 percent said the economy was the major factor in their decision.

The worry extends deep into voters’ mind, as they said they were also concerned about being able to afford the health care services they need. Seventy-seven percent said that was a major concern.

Sen. John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate was very much on the minds of Massachusetts voters. Sixty-seven percent said it was a factor in their decision.

Sen. Barack Obama was seen as more in touch with voters than McCain, but both candidates were rated equally in having the experience to serve effectively as president.

Voters expect that their taxes will go up regardless of the outcome of the election. Two in three voters expect a tax hike in either an Obama or McCain presidency.

Voters were split on whether a McCain presidency would continue the policies of President George W. Bush, but overwhelmingly said McCain's age was not a factor in their voting decision. Seventy-nine percent of voters said it was not an important issue in their choice.

The exit poll was conducted by Edison-Mitofsky Research among approximately 750 voters leaving polling places across the state.