Most US voters want major change before midterms, poll finds
About eight in 10 Americans say the country needs "substantial change" or "complete and total upheaval" in how it is run, according to a new AP-NORC poll taken less than three weeks before the Nov. 3 congressional elections. The survey of more than 1,100 adults points to broad frustration with President Donald Trump. Al Jazeera
About half of voters chose "substantial change," while roughly three in 10 chose "complete and total upheaval." Chicago Tribune The desire for a different course extended into the president's own party. Among Republicans, 45 percent said they want substantial change and 13 percent said they want upheaval.
The economy dominated voters' concerns. About 85 percent said the economy is one of the most significant issues in weighing their vote. About eight in 10 registered voters disapproved of how Trump is handling the cost of living, and about three-quarters disapproved of his handling of the economy more broadly.
Only about one-third of registered voters had a very or somewhat favorable view of Trump, and a similar share approved of his performance as president. More voters said they want Democrats to win control of Congress, and voters held a more negative view of Republicans than of Democrats.
On other issues, 45 percent named immigration and crime rates as top priorities. About 35 percent ranked artificial intelligence as a substantial issue, compared with 12 percent who said the same about transgender issues.
About two-thirds of registered voters said voting in the upcoming election is extremely important, while about two in 10 said it is very important. Democrats reported higher motivation, with 75 percent calling voting extremely important compared with about 60 percent of Republicans.
Earlier polling pointed in a similar direction. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in early October found that among voters enthusiastic about the midterms, 62 percent said they were motivated by expressing opposition to Trump, compared to 36 percent. Reuters That survey put Trump's approval at 32 percent. A September Reuters/Ipsos survey had Democrats leading Republicans 44 percent to 37 percent in congressional vote preference. Reuters Early voting data reported Oct. 6 showed Democratic turnout running ahead of Republican turnout. Reuters
