Poll: Ahead of US Midterm Elections, Voters Disillusioned with Trump and Seek Change

Widespread voter disillusionment and pocketbook concerns have created an unstable stage for Republicans weeks before Election Day.

In the final weeks before midterm elections for Congress on Nov. 3, 80 percent of Americans polled said the country needs major changes or a "total and complete overhaul" of how it is run, according to a poll of more than 1,100 American adults released Thursday.

Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to want a major overhaul of the country's direction, the poll found, but even Republican voters are still looking for change. Just under half, 45 percent, want major changes, while 13 percent want transformation.

The results indicate a widespread desire for legislative overhaul, a threat to the Republican Party's grip on control of both houses of the US Congress.

The everyday economy, fueled by rising costs of living, drives the majority of voters, with 85 percent of respondents saying the economy is one of the most important issues in weighing their vote in the upcoming election. About eight in 10 registered voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the cost of living, and about three-quarters disapprove of his performance on the economy.

Only about a third of registered voters have a "very" or "somewhat" favorable view of the Republican president overall, and a similar share approve of his performance as president.

More voters want Democrats to take control of Congress and have a more negative view of Republicans.

Immigration and crime rates are also top concerns, with some voters citing them as top priorities, with 45 percent of voters citing them, according to the poll, although the two issues are disproportionately cited by Republican voters more than Democrats. Conversely, Democratic voters are more likely to name health care as their top priority.

Cultural concerns and emerging technology were less of a concern across the board: 35 percent of voters ranked artificial intelligence as a major issue, while transgender issues were significantly lower at 12 percent.

Health care is also considered a top issue for 69 percent of voters, while 64 percent cite the war with Iran as a top issue.

Despite their grievances, majorities of voters in both major American parties still value civic engagement.

About two-thirds of registered voters polled say it is "very important" to vote in the upcoming election, while about two in 10 say it is "very" important. 75 percent of Democratic voters consider it "very important," compared to nearly 60 percent of Republican respondents.