Key facts
- Economy was the most important issue for 39% of voters, the state of democracy for 32% and immigration for 14%.
- 75% of voters described the national economy as not so good or poor; 25% called it excellent or good.
- 65% said Donald Trump's policies worsened economic conditions, 28% said they improved them and 8% said no impact.
- 43% cited opposition to Trump as a reason for their midterm vote, 41% said he was not a factor and 16% cited support.
- 79% said inflation caused them and their family severe or moderate hardship in the past year; 21% said none.
- 62% said higher than usual prices were more due to Trump's policies; 38% blamed factors beyond his control.
The Voter Poll, an election day survey of more than 79,000 US voters, named the economy as the most important issue for 39% of respondents and the state of democracy for 32%, according to the BBC report published on November 3, 2026. Immigration followed at 14%, with healthcare, foreign policy and crime named first by a lower share.
SSRS collected the data on behalf of a consortium of news companies. The survey was described as a representative sample of American voters and includes exit polling of early and on-the-day voters. The report said all surveys are estimates and the numbers are likely to be updated as more data arrives.
Some 75% of respondents said the national economy was in a not so good or poor state, against 25% who called it excellent or good. On their own finances, 44% said they were worse off than two years ago, 38% said about the same and 18% said better.
The poll found 65% of voters said US President Donald Trump's policies had worsened economic conditions, 28% said they had improved them and 8% said he had no impact. Asked whether support or opposition to Trump was a reason for their midterm vote, 43% cited opposition, 41% said he was not a factor and 16% cited support.
On the national mood, 38% said they were angry at the way things are going, 37% dissatisfied, 18% satisfied and 7% enthusiastic.
On prices, 79% said inflation had caused them and their family severe or moderate hardship over the past year, and 21% said no hardship. Some 59% were very concerned about the cost of petrol and diesel, and 58% gave that answer about food and groceries. A total of 62% said higher than usual prices were more due to Trump's policies, while 38% attributed them to factors beyond his control.