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Voters were more than twice as likely to say their finances had worsened rather than improved, according to early CBS News exit polls released Tuesday. The findings describe a financially strained electorate, with the economy ranking first among the most important issues and the state of democracy second.
CBS said most voters reported that inflation had caused hardship for their families, including about one in five who described it as severe. Concern about affording gas, groceries and utilities crossed party lines, although cost of living was a more pressing factor for voters backing Democrats and immigration enforcement was more pressing for those backing Republicans.
Frustration extends beyond household bills
Roughly three-quarters of voters were at least dissatisfied with the country’s direction, and Trump’s approval stood at 38% in the early findings. CBS said neither major party was viewed favorably by a majority, showing that dissatisfaction with the president did not translate into broad enthusiasm for Democrats.
Government corruption was a major voting factor for roughly nine in ten voters, about the same as cost of living, CBS reported. The network also found that majorities in every Senate battleground it surveyed opposed a data center being built in their community, while more voters said artificial intelligence harms society than helps it.
The CBS exit poll interviewed thousands of voters at polling places on Election Day and during the weeks beforehand. Its national House preference measures overall sentiment, not the winner of every district: House seats are decided individually. CBS said the findings would update throughout the night; the figures here reflect its 7:53 p.m. Eastern report, not certified results or a projection of control of Congress.
JBizNews Desk | Washington
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