2:45People demonstrate in Washington, D.C. during the No Kings Demonstrations, Oct. 18, 2025.Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
As citizens cast their ballots in significant contests, numerous people seemed to be influenced by a shared feeling concerning the condition of the nation, ABC News exit poll review reveals.
"Upset" and "discontented" were the terms employed to portray the sentiments of a considerable number of individuals in New Jersey, Virginia, and California, where Democrats achieved substantial triumphs in state and community elections.
Jonathan Hanson, a scholar of politics and instructor of statistics at the University of Michigan, expressed that the prevailing political atmosphere and the considerable engagement at the ballot boxes throughout an election year was not astonishing. Current surveys have indicated that a majority of Americans do not endorse President Donald Trump's performance and have discovered that many believe both parties are detached from the populace.
Citizens complete their voting forms at a voting center in the Hillsboro Old Stone School, Nov. 4, 2025, in Hillsboro, Va.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
"The accumulating strain, [and] that escalation across the years of deadlock is leading us to this crucial juncture," Hanson conveyed to ABC News.
Hanson cautioned that although political displeasure "does not necessarily endure for an extended period," he emphasized that the nation stands at a significant pivotal moment that is stirring up Americans and anticipated that this impetus will persist into the upcoming year.
Exit poll statistics exhibited where such aggravated voters directed their dissatisfaction. Voters were questioned concerning their opinions regarding the course of events in the nation currently and presented with four potential responses: Enthusiastic; content but not enthusiastic; discontented but not upset; and upset.
Sixty-four percent of Virginia constituents declared they were either "discontented" or "upset" with the direction of the country currently — encompassing more than a third who stated they were "upset," according to the data.
Exceeding 90% of self-described upset voters cast their ballots for Democratic contender Abigail Spanberger for governor, and 62% of discontented voters also voted for Spanberger, as per the poll results.
In New Jersey, where Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill triumphed in the governor's competition, roughly two-thirds of voters indicated they were discontented or upset with the current trajectory of the U.S., based on the exit poll.
Four out of ten New Jersey constituents revealed they were "upset." Ninety percent of upset voters voted for Sherrill alongside around 60% of discontented voters.
Individuals convene on the day of a “No Kings” demonstration objecting to President Donald Trump’s policies, in Atlanta, Oct. 18, 2025.Alyssa Pointer/Reuters
In California, where citizens approved a Democratic ballot initiative to reorganize the state’s districts, the ABC News exit poll discovered that 74% of voters stated they were upset or discontented. Roughly 90% of upset voters voted in favor along with 60% of discontented voters.
Hanson remarked that there have been numerous inflection points throughout American history where significant dissatisfaction has instigated transformation, referencing the Civil Rights movement and, in a radical instance, the Civil War.
Besides the extensive demonstrations opposing Trump's strategies, such as deportations and tariffs, even Americans who were swayed by Trump's commitment to decrease costs are losing their composure and articulating their discontent, Hanson stated.
"There is considerable resentment and annoyance that Trump entered with a slim electoral victory. We possess a closely divided Congress and he proceeded to promptly and drastically alter the manner in which our democracy operates as opposed to concentrating on the primary concerns," he expressed.
"Americans are progressively becoming unhappier due to the factors that initially caused their discontent are still present and intensifying."
Hanson mentioned that the widespread "No Kings" rallies last month were indicative of the displeasure and numerous Americans resolved to take action at the ballot boxes.
"Individuals are seeking avenues and methods to instigate change," he stated. "They are anticipating a chance to enact transformation and engaging in an election provides the means to accomplish that."
People protest in Washington, D.C. as part of the No Kings Rallies, Oct. 18, 2025.Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Hanson suggested that it is highly probable that this vexation could influence voters' motivations in the upcoming midterm elections, particularly if Trump remains unpopular and the gridlock in Congress persists.
"The reality that this transpired during an off-year election, not even a midterm congressional election, truly conveys a significant message," he commented.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
