# Economy and democracy top US voter concerns

> A poll of 79,000 American voters on election day reveals the economy and state of democracy as the dominant issues driving midterm choices.
- Title: Economy and democracy top US voter concerns · BBC News
- Summary: A poll of 79,000 American voters on election day reveals the economy and state of democracy as the dominant issues driving midterm choices.
- Keywords: us midterm elections 2026, voter poll, economy, democracy, ssrs, donald trump, inflation, iran military action, BBC News
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39wz0970eypo
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: us midterm elections 2026, voter poll, economy, democracy, ssrs, donald trump, inflation, iran military action, news, world
## Economy and democracy dominate voter concerns
The Voter Poll surveyed more than 79,000 American voters on election day. Thirty-nine percent named the economy as the most important issue, while 33% put the state of democracy top.
## Other issues trail far behind
Immigration was named most important by 14% of voters. Healthcare, foreign policy and crime were ranked first by a lower share of respondents in the poll.
## Most voters see economy in poor shape
Three-quarters of those asked said the economy was in a not so good or poor state. Only a quarter said it was excellent or good.
## Personal finances worsened for many
Forty-four percent of voters said their family finances were worse than two years ago. Thirty-eight percent said about the same and 18% said better.
## Two-thirds blame Trump for economic decline
Around two-thirds of voters surveyed say US President Donald Trump's policies have worsened economic conditions. Twenty-seven percent say his policies improved conditions and 7% say he had no impact.
## Inflation caused hardship for most voters
Almost eight in ten voters said inflation caused them and their family severe or moderate hardship in the past year. A fifth said it caused them no hardship at all.
## Majority unhappy with current state of country
Almost four in ten voters said they were angry at the way things are going in the US. A further 37% said they were dissatisfied. Only 18% said they were satisfied.
## Iran conflict shaped voting decisions
Around six in ten voters said the US made the wrong decision to take military action against Iran. Three-quarters said the conflict was a crucial or major factor in their vote for Congress.
## Women and younger voters backed Democrats
Women backed Democratic House candidates by 59% to 40% for Republicans. Around two-thirds of voters aged under 45 voted Democrat. College-educated voters backed Democrats by 63% to 35% Republican.
## Key takeaway

Seventy-nine thousand US voters named the economy and democracy as their top midterm concerns, with most unhappy about current conditions and inflation's impact on their lives.