As the 2026 midterm elections approach, voters are reflecting on what issues are most important to them.
North Carolina adults are most concerned about the national economy, according to an Elon University Poll published in September 2026. Eighty-six percent of voters said inflation and the cost of living were “very important” to them, with 73% also listing the general economy and healthcare as “very important.”
For other issues that voters saw as very important, 66% said taxes, 54% said immigration and 50% said the war in Iran. Fifty-two percent of registered voters said they were opposed to U.S. involvement in Iran, and 31% said they supported it.
For many Elon students, they are prioritizing national issues when thinking about the midterm elections. Junior Roxanny Difo Rojas said she wants candidates who would address what she called overreaches in power from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and President Donald Trump.
Sophomore Ella Chamness said she wants candidates to focus on reinstating environmental protections rolled back by the Trump administration, as well as revisiting Roe v. Wade’s overturning and what women’s health will look like now.
“I’m not saying I want more restrictions, but I definitely do want women’s health to be supported, not just the baby but the mother, as well,” Chamness said.
For some students, their priorities are in their home states. Freshman Noah Levy is from Texas and said he wanted candidates there to focus on improving the public education system without as much direct government involvement.
“I know this is an issue across the U.S., but especially in Texas with the government infiltrating into the schools,” Levy said. “Trying to infiltrate with religion as well, that stuff is causing more issues.”
The Texas State Board of Education approved a proposal in June requiring Bible verses to be studied in classes. Supporters of the proposal said studying the Bible can help students learn about the United States’ founding, while critics say it violates the separation of church and state.
Local residents said they’re also concerned about the economy, as well as local issues like safety and public schools. Elon resident Bill Mann said that he hopes state-level candidates focus on local issues such as keeping citizens safe and that national candidates put an emphasis on lowering prices.
“I know we’re feeding more people at this church, and that’s how I’m seeing people hurt by prices,” Mann said while standing outside First Baptist Church of Elon.
Shannon O’Toole, a resident of Gibsonville, hopes candidates will concentrate on ending the war in Iran and lowering government spending.
“Everybody wants to have a decent paying career, to be able to afford their families needs and have money in the bank when you retire,” O’Toole said. “I feel a lot more people get along than there is to this.”
Town of Elon resident Sandra Pettiford wants candidates who would prioritize fixing financial issues such as high gas prices and low wages, as well as investing more resources into school systems.
“I have a couple grandchildren, and I’m concerned about the young people and the school system,” Pettiford said.