RismadarVoice Reporters
October 15, 2026
A new opinion poll has revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the direction of the United States, with 80 per cent of respondents calling for substantial changes in how the country is governed ahead of the November 3 congressional midterm elections.
The survey, conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research and released on Thursday, found that many Americans were concerned about the economy, rising living costs and President Donald Trump’s handling of major domestic and foreign policy issues.
The poll, which surveyed more than 1,100 American adults, found that eight in 10 respondents wanted either significant changes or a complete overhaul of the country’s political direction.
Although dissatisfaction was more pronounced among Democrats and independent voters, the findings also indicated considerable demand for change among Republicans.
Among Republican respondents, 45 per cent supported substantial changes, while 13 per cent favoured a more fundamental transformation of the country’s governance.
ECONOMY, COST OF LIVING DOMINATE VOTER CONCERNS
Economic conditions emerged as a major issue ahead of the elections, with 85 per cent of respondents identifying the economy as an important consideration in determining their votes.
Approximately eight in 10 registered voters expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of living costs, while about three-quarters disapproved of his management of the broader economy.
The survey also found that only about one-third of registered voters held a favourable opinion of Trump, with a similar proportion approving of his overall performance as president.
The findings indicated that more respondents preferred Democratic control of Congress than Republican control, although the survey results do not establish how voters will ultimately cast their ballots.
Healthcare was identified as a major electoral concern by 69 per cent of respondents, while 64 per cent cited the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Immigration and crime were each identified as priorities by approximately 45 per cent of voters, with Republican respondents placing greater emphasis on those issues than Democrats.
Democratic respondents were more likely to prioritise healthcare.
Other concerns included artificial intelligence, which 35 per cent considered a significant issue, while 12 per cent identified transgender-related issues as a major electoral consideration.
VOTERS EMPHASISE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICIPATION
Despite dissatisfaction with political leadership, the poll found that many Americans remained committed to participating in the democratic process.
Approximately two-thirds of registered voters considered voting in the November elections extremely important, while another two in 10 described it as very important.
The survey showed differences between the major political parties, with approximately 75 per cent of Democratic voters describing participation as extremely important, compared with about 60 per cent of Republicans.
The November 3 elections will determine control of the US House of Representatives and the Senate, with Republicans seeking to retain their congressional majorities.
The survey provides a snapshot of public opinion in the closing weeks of the campaign, but the findings should not be interpreted as a prediction of the election results.
Economic pressures, public confidence in government and the direction of US foreign policy remain prominent issues as candidates make their final appeals to voters.
