US voters name economy and state of democracy as top issues, poll says
SSRS survey of more than 79,000 voters shows 39% prioritize the economy, 32% democracy, with widespread negative views of national economic conditions
Quick Look
An election day poll of more than 79,000 US voters found 39% named the economy the most important issue and 32% named the state of democracy, with 75% viewing the national economy negatively and 65% saying Donald Trump's policies worsened economic conditions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Voter Poll, conducted by SSRS on behalf of a consortium of news companies, is a representative sample of American voters including exit polling of early and on-the-day voters in the run-up to the 2026 election.
The economy and the state of democracy have been named as the top issues for US voters, according to an election day poll.
The survey - officially called the Voter Poll - asks tens of thousands of the American electorate their opinions and motivations, and providing a breakdown by age, gender, education and other demographics.
Polling company SSRS collects data on behalf of a consortium of news companies, and the survey is a representative sample of American voters in the run up to the election, and includes exit polling of both early and on the day voters.
Here are some of the breakdowns from the 2026 voter poll. Like all surveys they are estimates; the numbers are also likely to be updated as more data arrives.
Some 39% of those asked in the poll of more than 79,000 people said the economy was the most important issue, while 32% put the state of democracy top.
Following that, immigration was named most important by 14% of voters while healthcare, foreign policy and crime were ranked first by a lower share.
Data suggests the majority of US voters have a negative view of the state of the national economy.
Some 75% of those asked said the economy was in a "not so good or poor" state with 25% saying it was "excellent or good".
Looking at their own family finances, 44% of people said they were in a worse situation than two years ago, 38% said about the same and 18% said better.
Almost two thirds (65%) of voters surveyed say US President Donald Trump's policies have worsened economic conditions in the US.
By contrast, 28% say Trump's policies have improved conditions and only 8% say the president has had no impact.
People were also asked whether expressing support or opposition for Trump was one reason for their midterm vote.
Some 43% said expressing opposition was a reason but a similar proportion (41%) said he was not a factor. Only 16% of those asked said expressing support was a reason for their vote.
Almost four in ten of those asked (38%) said they were angry at the way things are going in the US at the moment, with a further 37% saying they were dissatisfied.
Only 18% said they were satisfied, and 7% of respondents felt enthusiastic.
So taken together, there is a majority telling pollsters SSRS they are not happy about the current state of the country.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The economy will remain a dominant issue in US political discourse following the 2026 midterm election
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific breakdowns by age, gender, and education were found?
- Which candidate or party did voters supporting the economy versus democracy prefer?
- How will the numbers be updated as more data arrives?
