Inflation Hardship Drives Voter Economic Concerns
Roughly 8 in 10 House voters say inflation has caused them hardship, with cost of living central to their vote.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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ABC News preliminary voter polls on Election Day 2026 found about 6 in 10 House voters disapprove of President Donald Trump, and North Carolina extended voting hours at five precincts in four counties after voting delays.
Why it matters
Voters in the poll cited the economy, inflation, and cost of living as central to their decisions, which signals that household price pressures are shaping the national political mood. The preliminary nature of the polls means the findings reflect early voter sentiment rather than final results.
Preliminary ABC News voter polls found about 6 in 10 House voters disapprove of Trump and roughly three-quarters rate the economy negative. About half of House voters said cost of living was crucial to their vote, and about two-thirds said tariff policies have hurt the national economy.
The players
ABC News
A national news network whose consumer-facing election and economic polling informs public understanding of household financial concerns.
North Carolina State Board of Elections
The state agency that administers North Carolina's elections, including the extended voting hours at five precincts in four counties.
Donald Trump
The current President of the United States, whose tariff policies voters said have hurt the national economy.
The details
ABC News conducted early Voter Polls to gauge sentiment on key issues ahead of results. The findings point to household costs as a driver: roughly 8 in 10 House voters say inflation has caused them hardship, and more voters said they cast ballots to express opposition to Trump than support for him by more than 2 to 1. Separately, the North Carolina State Board of Elections extended voting hours at five precincts in four counties after issues caused voting delays.
Timeline
Nov. 3, 2026: ABC News preliminary voter polls released and North Carolina extends voting hours at five precincts.
7:30 p.m. ET, Nov. 3, 2026: Scheduled poll closing time.
8:15 p.m. ET, Nov. 3, 2026: Expected posting of first North Carolina results.
Money Landscape
Voter concern about inflation and cost of living places this poll within a broader period of household price pressure that the Consumer Price Index tracks as a measure of everyday costs. The economy outranking other issues for many voters suggests affordability is weighing on the political climate as much as on household budgets.
Voters who say inflation has caused them hardship are reporting pressure on everyday spending, which is the household budget area most directly affected by the cost-of-living concerns in the poll. Households tracking monthly expenses may find it useful to review grocery and essential-goods budget lines against recent price changes.
The takeaway
Cost of living weighed heavily on voters in these preliminary polls, with most saying inflation has caused hardship. Households can track the monthly Consumer Price Index release to see whether the price pressures voters describe are easing or persisting.
Further reading
For more on the measures that track these pressures, see Economic Indicators in the United States.
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Do you think the economy is getting better or worse for your household?
