With two days remaining before Americans vote in the midterms, conversations with voters across the country suggested that many are motivated less by enthusiasm for their preferred candidates than by opposition to the other side.
A voter in Colorado said he planned to vote for Democrats across the ballot because of his strong dislike of President Donald Trump. Lucy, a voter in Washington, D.C., said her frustration with the administration, and what she sees as dishonesty and problems affecting the city and country, was pushing her toward Democrats.
Trump remains a factor for voters even though he is not on the ballot
Though Trump is not running in the midterms, several Democratic voters said their views of his administration were a major reason they planned to support the party’s congressional candidates.
Mark, from Utah, pointed to corruption, the cost of living and concerns about democracy and the Constitution. He also argued that Trump was benefiting personally while many Americans were struggling financially.
Control of Congress is at stake. Democrats hope to win enough seats to challenge Trump’s legislative plans for the rest of his presidency.
Jeremy, a voter in New York who generally supports Democrats, said he agrees with some Republican positions. Still, he said his opposition to Trump outweighed those points of agreement.
A voter from Virginia said he had supported Trump and Republicans in the past but now planned to vote Democratic. After years of the “Make America Great Again” movement, he said, he did not think the country had become great again.
Republican voters cite concerns about Democrats
Voters who said they planned to support Republicans also described their choices in terms of what they opposed. Yago said he was concerned about socialism, which he believes has caused damage wherever it has been tried.
John, from Illinois, said social issues were central to his decision, including Democrats’ positions on family and gender policy, as well as abortion.
Some voters focused on particular issues, among them immigration enforcement, foreign policy, gun rights and the economy. Emily, a Texas voter who plans to support Democrats, said she was especially concerned about the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security.
Nelson, from Washington, D.C., said gun control was the main reason he intended to vote Republican. He argued that the Second Amendment helps protect the First Amendment.
Kamil, from Washington state, said U.S. policy toward Israel and Palestine was influencing his decision to vote for Democrats. He objected to assistance for Israel alongside a lack of support for Palestinians.
For many voters, the midterms appear to be less a show of excitement for either party than a response to concerns about the country’s direction.
