The cost of household essentials was a leading economic concern as Arkansas voters cast ballots Tuesday, with national polling showing broad anxiety about prices, housing and energy.
A Pew Research poll found that only 21% of Americans described national economic conditions as excellent or good. The survey also found that respondents were concerned about gasoline and energy costs, while views of the economy differed by political affiliation.
J. Michael Collins, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of public affairs and associate director of the Institute for Research on Poverty, said financial pressure can influence whether people participate in a midterm election. More than 500,000 registered voters had cast early ballots in Arkansas, an increase from 2024.
“One of the responses that voters might have is ‘Throw the bums out.’ And frankly, I think there’s a concern too that maybe voters sit this one but that anxiety might turn the other way and we might see higher turnout than we typically would in a midterm election,” Collins said.
Housing and energy costs
Collins said stock-market gains have not necessarily improved the day-to-day finances of households. He pointed to housing costs as a particular burden for people whose income places them above the official poverty threshold but who still have limited money after paying for necessities.
“You know, in some places, the cost of housing is 50% or more of your take-home pay. And for even somebody who’s not technically in poverty, they feel like they’re poor,” Collins said.
Gasoline in Arkansas was reported at $3.78 per gallon, below the national average. Montgomery, Boone and Newton counties were among those with the highest gasoline prices in the state.
The poll found a partisan divide in assessments of the economy. About 36% of Republicans said economic conditions were excellent or good, while 56% of Democrats described conditions as poor. Respondents from both parties also said President Donald Trump’s tariffs had negatively affected the overall economy.
- 21% of Americans in the poll rated national economic conditions excellent or good.
- More than 500,000 registered voters had cast early ballots in Arkansas.
- Housing, gasoline and energy costs were among the economic pressures cited.
