US midterms: Nine key issues shaping the vote
The rising cost of living is expected to dominate Tuesday’s US midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency. A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,765 US adults, conducted Thursday to Monday, highlights nine key issues.
Cost of living: 48% of registered voters identified living costs as their top concern, ahead of democratic norms (26%) and immigration (13%). Fuel prices have surged since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in February.
Donald Trump: 48% of those voting viewed their ballot as a vote against Trump, compared with 25% voting in his favour. A further 25% said he was not a factor.
Iran: 55% said military action against Iran was not worth the cost, while 25% considered it justified. Another 18% were unsure.
Election integrity: 77% expressed confidence their votes would be counted, although 45% believed voter fraud was widespread.
Household finances: 49% said their finances had worsened since Trump returned to office in January 2025, against 13% who reported improvement. Among Hispanic Americans, 54% said finances had deteriorated.
Transgender sports: 38% considered excluding transgender women and girls from women’s sports a very important or top issue, compared with 25% prioritising transgender rights.
Data centres: 42% said limiting the construction of AI data centres was very important or their top concern.
Mega donors: Majorities of Democrats (93%) and Republicans (71%) considered it inappropriate for billionaires to spend tens of millions of dollars influencing elections.
Political options: Democrats narrowly led Republicans in the congressional vote, but 43% said Democrats had at least some good ideas, compared with 39% for Republicans.
via Reuters
