Exit polls show AI ranked last among voter priorities in the 2026 U.S. midterms
decoder ·
Exit polls from the 2026 U.S. midterm elections indicate that artificial intelligence and data center expansion ranked last among voter priorities. According to NBC News and SSRS surveys, only 56 percent of respondents considered AI a decisive or important factor in their voting decisions. This placed the technology issue at the bottom of the five topics surveyed, trailing significantly behind other concerns. Government corruption was the top priority, cited by 90 percent of voters as crucial. The cost of living followed closely at 89 percent, while the war in Iran and immigration enforcement were prioritized by 74 percent and 73 percent respectively. Despite a recent surge in public interest regarding AI, it failed to compete with traditional geopolitical and economic issues. The results highlight a disconnect between media focus on technology and the immediate concerns of the electorate.
decoder