CNN

Voters talk to one another as they wait their turn to vote.

(CNN) – As tonight's primary voting proceeds, several patterns are emerging among Democratic voters.

Combined exit polling from the states holding Democratic primaries today shows:

-The economy is most often seen as being the most important issue facing the country today. However, those naming the economy are split about evenly between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama with just slightly more supporting Sen. Clinton.

-The war in Iraq is seen as the 2nd most important issue. In this instance, the issue moves voters more in Sen. Obama's direction.

-About half of all voters in states holding Democratic primaries today say the quality that mattered most in deciding how to vote today is that the candidate "can bring about needed change." Those feeling this way support Sen. Obama over Sen. Clinton by more than a two-to-one margin.

-Fewer Democratic voters see "having the right experience" as being the most important factor in their vote. However, those holding this view overwhelmingly voted for Sen. Clinton.

-The black vote is going strongly for Sen. Obama thus far in the voting. White voters more often support Sen. Clinton but the margin is not large. White women are providing a good-sized voting margin for Sen. Clinton. White men, thus far, are more often voting for Sen. Obama than for Sen. Clinton.

-Latinos in states holding Democratic primaries are supporting Clinton by a fairly wide margin

-Obama does well among young voters – white as well as black, although much more among black voters. Sen. Clinton is especially strong among voters 65 years of age and older.

-Sen. Clinton does better among less prosperous voters; Sen. Obama is ahead among college-educated and higher income voters.

-Sen. Clinton does slightly better among Democratic primary voters identifying themselves as Democrats. Sen. Obama does much better among self-identified independents who voted Democratic today.

-Sen. Obama does better among Democratic voters calling themselves liberals; Sen. Clinton does slightly better among moderates.