Controlling the cost of living and building more homes were highlighted as the key issues for people at BBC Guernsey's first election roadshow.
Voters at Pembroke Bay said unless these issues were tackled, they saw a "bleak" future for the island.
Grow Ltd manager Mandy Mackleworth said she knew "several people who are struggling and living hand to mouth".
Vale resident Martyn Dorey was one of those who said he was worried about the cost of living: "Everything is going up, faster than the pension."
For Mr Dorey, on his morning walk as he visited the BBC roadshow, GST and the cost of living are the two election issues he will be focussing on when he selects who to vote for.
"There are people that I know who are struggling, to add in GST with that even with the changes to allowances will be tough," he said, before adding he had been "disappointed" by the manifestos he had seen so far.
The States of Guernsey agreed to a plan to introduce a 5% GST from 2027 alongside reductions to income tax rates for low earners and reforms to social security contributions.
