Cost of living tops 9 key concerns shaping US midterm elections: Poll

The rising cost of living is the biggest concern for US midterm voters, with 48 per cent identifying it as their top issue. A Reuters/Ipsos poll also highlights dissatisfaction with Trump, the Iran war and household finances.

In Short

• Forty-eight per cent viewed their ballot as a vote against Trump
• Most voters said military action against Iran was not worthwhile
• Ballot-counting confidence remained high despite widespread fears about voter fraud

The rising cost of living has emerged as the biggest concern for Americans voting in Tuesday's US midterm elections, with nearly half of registered voters identifying it as the most important issue influencing their decision, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The elections will determine control of Congress for the final two years of US President Donald Trump's term. The nationwide survey of 1,765 US adults was conducted from Thursday through Monday and had a margin of error of three percentage points among registered voters. Unlike exit polls, it included respondents who had not necessarily voted.

COST OF LIVING TOPS VOTER CONCERNS

Around 48 per cent of registered voters said the cost of living was their biggest concern when deciding whom to vote for. Democratic norms were the top issue for 26 per cent, while 13 per cent identified immigration.

Fuel prices in the US have surged since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in February, adding to concerns over household expenses.

TRUMP FACTOR IN MIDTERM ELECTIONS

Trump has urged Republicans to treat the midterm elections as if he were personally on the ballot to energise party supporters.

However, the Reuters/Ipsos survey indicated that his presence could be a disadvantage for Republicans. Around 48 per cent of respondents who planned to vote or had already cast their ballots said they viewed their vote as being against Trump, compared with 25 per cent who considered it a vote in his favour. Another 25 per cent said Trump was not a factor in their voting decision.

VOTERS QUESTION COST OF IRAN WAR

The poll also highlighted public dissatisfaction with the US military action against Iran.

While Trump has defended the war as necessary to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, only 25 per cent of voters said the military action had been worth the cost. A majority, 55 per cent, said it had not been worth it, while 18 per cent were undecided.

VOTER CONFIDENCE AND ELECTION INTEGRITY

Despite concerns over election security, 77 per cent of voters said they were confident their ballots would be counted. However, 45 per cent believed voter fraud was a widespread problem.

Trump has repeatedly made claims about large numbers of non-citizens voting illegally, allegations that have been rejected by election officials. Concerns have also emerged over the possibility of the administration interfering with elections or the certification of results it considers unfavourable.

The White House has maintained that its efforts are aimed at protecting election integrity and voting security.

HOUSEHOLD FINANCES WORSEN UNDER TRUMP

Nearly half of Americans, or 49 per cent, said their household finances had worsened since January 2025, when Trump returned to the White House. Only 13 per cent reported an improvement, while 37 per cent said their financial situation had remained unchanged.

The findings also pointed to growing economic dissatisfaction among Hispanic voters, a group that shifted towards Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Around 54 per cent of Hispanic respondents said their household finances had deteriorated, while just 10 per cent reported an improvement.

Trump had campaigned on promises to boost the US economy, but his approval ratings have fallen in recent months.

TRANSGENDER RIGHTS AND WOMEN'S SPORTS

The survey also highlighted divisions over transgender rights and participation in women's sports.

Around 38 per cent of voters said keeping transgender girls and women out of women's sports was either a very important or the most important issue for them. In comparison, 25 per cent gave the same importance to protecting the rights of transgender people.

DATA CENTRES EMERGE AS AN ELECTION ISSUE

The expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure has also become a concern for voters.

Around 42 per cent of registered voters said limiting the construction of data centres used to power AI was a very important or the most important issue for them.

VOTERS OPPOSE BILLIONAIRE ELECTION DONATIONS

A bipartisan majority of registered voters expressed opposition to wealthy individuals using their fortunes to influence federal elections.

The poll found that 93 per cent of Democrats and 71 per cent of Republicans considered it inappropriate for billionaires to contribute tens of millions of dollars to influence election outcomes.

DEMOCRATS HOLD NARROW EDGE ON POLITICAL IDEAS

Although poll respondents appeared to slightly favour Democrats over Republicans in the congressional elections, voters remained divided over which party offered better ideas.

Around 43 per cent of registered voters said Democrats had at least some good ideas, compared with 39 per cent who expressed the same view about Republicans.

- Ends