Midterm Elections: Networks Comb Through First Poll Of Electorate Showing Dismal View Of Trump And The Economy

Preliminary voter polling on US midterm election day showed Donald Trump with a 38% approval rating and widespread concern about the economy and the state of the country. The figures offered an early indication of voter sentiment, but could change as more ballots were counted; the election was also a test of forecasts that Democrats might make gains in Congress and of the reliability of polling.

The SSRS Voter Poll, based on early, mail and election-day voters, found that 39% named the economy as their top issue and 32% democracy. Forty-four per cent said their finances had worsened over two years, while 65% said Trump had made economic conditions worse and 61% thought he put his own interests first. Separately, 54% said corruption was crucial to their vote; commentators cautioned that the numbers were preliminary and that pollsters can struggle to reach right-leaning rural voters.