Economy and democracy lead issues US voters named in election day poll on midterms

Economy and democracy lead

The economy was the most important issue for 39% of people surveyed, while 32% placed the state of democracy first. SSRS conducted the poll for a consortium of news companies, using a representative sample of American voters and exit polling of early and election day voters.

Views of personal finances were mixed: 44% said their family was worse off than two years earlier, 38% reported no change and 18% said they were better off. In addition, 65% said President Donald Trump’s policies had worsened US economic conditions.

Voters voice dissatisfaction

Asked about the country’s current direction, 38% said they were angry and another 37% said they were dissatisfied. Together, those responses show most surveyed voters were unhappy with the state of the country.

Rising prices were also a concern. Some 59% said they were very concerned about petrol and diesel costs, while 58% said the same about food and groceries.

Views on Iran action

The poll asked about US military action against Iran. Some 62% of respondents said the United States had made the wrong decision, while 38% said the decision was right. Respondents were also asked whether support for or opposition to Trump was one reason for their midterm vote; the reporting provides no result for that question.

Voting patterns across groups

Among voters under 45, almost two-thirds said they voted Democrat. Voters aged 45 to 64 were nearly evenly divided: 49% backed Democrats and 48% voted Republican. Estimates showed white voters favored Republican candidates, 51% to 47%. Voters without a college education also leaned Republican, 51% to 45%. These figures describe the national picture; voting patterns vary by state.