Recent polls confirmed that affordability and rising costs rank as the top concern for American voters heading into the November 3 midterm elections.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 78% of Americans blame President Donald Trump's policies for higher prices outpacing earnings. The survey of 4,506 adults showed 57% of Republicans and two-thirds overall saying living costs have risen faster than paychecks. Cost of living emerged as the top voting factor for 54% of respondents.

An October Pew Research Center survey indicated 74% of Americans are very concerned about gasoline and energy prices, up from 43% in January. National gas prices averaged $4.28 per gallon, up 44% since the war with Iran began in late February. Annual inflation stood at 3.7%.

A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll showed majorities viewing groceries, health care, and home energy as unaffordable. KFF polling identified health care costs and gas as tying for the top economic worry, with 25% very worried about each.

Gallup data from early October ranked the economy and health care as extremely important to half of registered voters, followed closely by the situation in Iran at 47%. Pew found 84% of registered voters rating the economy as very important to their vote.

Analysts noted that pocketbook issues like food, fuel, and housing have overshadowed other topics. Early voting data from Pew showed 84% of those who had already cast ballots citing the economy as their biggest concern.

With Election Day two days away, these priorities are expected to shape outcomes in competitive congressional races across the country.