We the People: What Matters Most to Voters in the 2026 Midterm

By: Widyane Hamdach, Ph.D

New York, NY: Political participation remains a core component of democracy. Higher voter turnout can produce policies that better reflect the public’s will, enhance political stability, and embody the constitutional principle of “We the People.” The 2026 U.S. congressional elections will be held on Tuesday, November, and represent a pivotal moment for American democracy, allowing citizens to express their preferences, hold governments accountable, and reaffirm the legitimacy of democratic institutions. As the elections approach, the importance of civic education, pluralism, and trust in democratic processes becomes increasingly clear. 2026 Midterm

What Americans Really Want?

Many Americans are concerned about the erosion of democracy, including threats to democratic institutions, political accountability, and election integrity. These concerns may shape voter behavior. Pew Research Center found that 73% of registered voters considered the future of democracy very important to their midterm vote, including 85% of Democrats and 69% of Republicans. Perceived threats to democratic norms may increase participation and support for institutional reform, but partisan disagreement over those threats can deepen divisions.

Additionally, concerns are growing over a crisis of trust between the U.S. government and the American public. Americans remain divided over election integrity; fifty-five percent of registered Democrats express confidence in the accuracy of the vote count, compared with 38% of Republican voters. According to recent polls, just under half of voters are very confident that votes will be counted accurately. Additionally, election misinformation—often amplified by social media platforms and the promotion of unsupported allegations— can deepen polarization, erode institutional trust, and weaken democratic stability. Over time, it can alienate citizens who no longer view political participation as necessary and election outcomes as legitimate. Therefore, election integrity shall be protected by empowering independent institutions, upholding the rule of law, ensuring acceptance of verified results, promoting transparent communication, providing reliable information, and protecting a free press.

Despite the importance of democracy and the urgency to defend its values, economic issues remain dominant in this election—concerns over inflation, high cost of living, and energy costs, especially after Iran’s war. Recent polling ahead of the 2026 midterms shows that the economy ranks as the top issue for all voters. Pew Research Center found that 84% considered the economy very important to their vote, compared with 73% who prioritized democracy, while AP-NORC reported that 85% ranked the economy and 84% the cost of living among the country’s top issues. AP-NORC also found that 64% of voters viewed the war with Iran as a top issue, while a July Marquette poll identified inflation and cost of living as the leading concerns for 35% of respondents.

Moreover, foreign policy and national security are important concerns in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections amid conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine and tensions over Taiwan. Polls indicate skepticism about U.S. military actions abroad. AP-NORC found that 60% of Americans believed U.S. action against Iran had gone too far; this is due to the economic consequences of the war—particularly rising energy prices—as well as concerns about national security and presidential leadership. Midterm elections often serve as a referendum on the party controlling the White House, making presidential approval an important factor in congressional voting.  An October 8, 2026, Pew Research Center report found growing public dissatisfaction ahead of the midterm elections. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to 30%, while 77% of Americans expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s direction. Thus, geopolitical conflicts influence elections through their domestic effects, as voters often judge political leaders by their ability to ease economic hardship and provide security.  

Notably, immigration remains an important electoral debate issue, though its importance varies by party. Immigration is especially salient among Republican voters; a Pew survey found that 59% of voters considered it very important to their congressional vote, including 72% of Republicans and 53% of Democrats. However, public opinion distinguishes support for border security from support for aggressive enforcement. A January 2026 Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 58% of Americans believed ICE’s efforts had gone too far, and that 66% opposed suspending asylum applications, while 64% opposed detaining large numbers of immigrants.

Overall, the 2026 midterm elections will be a critical test of American democratic engagement and a broader referendum on the president’s performance and the country’s direction. More importantly, they should be an opportunity for meaningful political debate grounded in substantive policy discussions rather than personal attacks, sensationalism, or divisive rhetoric. At a time when the nation faces mounting challenges—including economic uncertainty, the rising cost of living, the accessibility of social services, immigration, and the erosion of democratic norms, particularly through threats to freedom of speech and the press—candidates have a responsibility to explain how they intend to address these pressing concerns. Public discourse should focus on policies and solutions, not on Nicki Minaj’s body, Abdul’s faith, the religious affiliations or ideological beliefs of political figures, or the criminalization and unfounded accusations directed at members of Congress. Such distractions do little to inform voters or advance meaningful democratic debate.

Ultimately, America’s democratic health depends not only on the right to vote but also on the public’s ability to make informed decisions. Political ignorance cannot be overcome through partisan hostility; it requires greater investment in civic education, public awareness, and meaningful civic engagement. After all, democracy derives its legitimacy from the consent of the people—and that consent is most meaningful when exercised by a knowledgeable, discerning, and tolerant citizenry. The strength of American democracy will therefore depend not simply on who wins in November, but on whether voters are equipped to understand what is at stake.

Dr. Widyane Hamdach is a professor of political science and UN programs coordinator at Saint Peter’s University. She earned her PhD in global affairs from Rutgers University, specializing in global governance, Middle Eastern studies, and international relations. With over 17 years of experience as a TV reporter and producer, she has covered international affairs at the United Nations for various media outlets. Dr. Hamdach is the author of the book Framing the War on Terror: Arab Media Perspectives and Geopolitical Realities (2026).