US voters will head to the polls in this week's midterm elections after a year that saw a proliferation of gun violence, the emergence of Europe's largest war in decades, a historic inflation battle and the overturning of Roe v Wade.
These issues will be on many voters' minds when they elect who will represent them — not just in the US Congress, but also in governorships and statewide offices across the country.
Democratic and Republican candidates have spent months fine-tuning their messaging, all in the hope of remaining in power or knocking off their incumbent opponent.
Here are a few issues driving Americans to the polls in the 2022 US midterm elections in record numbers:
Follow the money
Inflation, now at 8.2 per cent, is taking a toll on Americans' household budgets. Consequently, many US voters this year will be voting with their finances in mind.
The economy ranks as “extremely important” among 49 per cent of all US voters, data from Gallup shows, its highest tally for a midterm election cycle in all but one year since 2002.
President Joe Biden has tried to quell inflationary fears by tapping into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, passing the Inflation Reduction Act and touting US hiring numbers. But only 31 per cent of Americans approve of how he has handled the economy, Gallup polling shows.
Abortion and crime also rate highly among US voters' concerns. Meanwhile, gun control and immigration remain “third-tier issues”.
Republicans and Democrats split on economy and abortion
Whereas the economy ranks as extremely important for all US voters, it is an even more central issue for Republican voters, which could point to how they will vote.
Sixty-four per cent of Republican voters consider the economy to be “extremely important” as opposed to 33 per cent of Democrats.
A separate poll conducted by ABC/Ipsos shows most Americans trust the Republicans to handle the economy.
Meanwhile, women's reproductive rights remains the top issue for Democratic voters after the Supreme Court earlier this year overturned Roe versus Wade.
Mr Biden and other high-profile Democratic leaders have used the Supreme Court's decision to galvanise voters to elect politicians that would work to codify reproductive rights into federal law. The White House and others have warned that Republicans could impose a federal ban on abortion, though Republicans in Congress are split.
Meanwhile, “Relations with Russia”, polled for the first time, is a tertiary issue for both Republicans and Democrats as the war in Ukraine continues.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, said there would no longer be a “blank cheque” to the war-torn country if the conservative party retakes the lower chamber.
Democrats suffered a self-inflicted wound when its progressive members sent a letter to Mr Biden urging him to engage directly with Russia. The caucus quickly retracted its letter after facing fierce criticism.
Climate change, crime and immigration remain partisan issues.
Americans dissatisfied with future
Few are happy with how things are going in the country, signalling that voters may want changes when electing who to serve them in Congress — a bad sign for the Democrat-held House and Senate.
Historically, those who are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs (Republicans at 6 per cent) turn up at the polls more than those voters who are relatively happy with things (31 per cent for Democrats).
Still, early voting data compiled by CNN shows Democrats are turning out to the polls in bigger numbers than in 2020 and 2018 in three key states — Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania. While it's positive for Democrats, voters of the party traditionally favour early voting more than Republicans do. More Republicans choose to vote on the day of the poll.
Additionally, a compilation of polling data by FiveThirtyEight on November 5 shows that 46.5 per cent of American voters support a Republican Congress, as opposed to 45.3 per cent for a Democratic Congress.
Eroding trust in US Congress
Confidence in the legislative branch of the US government, or Congress, has increasingly become partisan after years of unified shared levels of trust among parties in the country.
The two major US political parties never breached a 10 per cent difference in their distrust of Congress until this year.
Gallup polling shows a 30 per cent difference between Democrats (54 per cent) and Republicans (24 per cent) on their level of trust in Congress — as opposed to when both the parties shared 38 per cent confidence in the last legislative term.
A more partisan divide in trust of Congress does not bode well for an atmosphere that is seeing increasing levels of misinformation, electoral denial and political violence — from the January 6 insurrection that was based on a lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen to a violent attack on US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband.
A New York Times/Siena College poll found in October that 28 per cent of all voters have little trust in the accuracy of results from midterm races, including 41 per cent of all Republicans.
Joe Biden: an unpopular president
While the presidency is not on the ballot, how American voters view Mr Biden can indicate how his Democratic Party will fare in the midterms.
How the power falls in Congress will largely decide the rest of his presidency.
As Mr Biden has low ratings, with 53 per cent disapproval, the midterms might be a response to his handling of the biggest issues on the minds of voters, while the president asserts the elections are also about saving democracy — but voters aren't making it a priority, a New York Times/Siena College poll found in October.
With his low approval rating, Mr Biden has stayed away from the campaign trail until recently, and it isn't clear how much of a draw that will bring to Democratic candidates.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
THREE
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Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
SM Town Live is on Friday, April 6 at Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. Tickets are Dh375 at www.platinumlist.net
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Napoleon
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David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
Francesco Totti's bio
Born September 27, 1976
Position Attacking midifelder
Clubs played for (1) - Roma
Total seasons 24
First season 1992/93
Last season 2016/17
Appearances 786
Goals 307
Titles (5) - Serie A 1; Italian Cup 2; Italian Supercup 2
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THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The%20specs
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Fixtures
Friday Leganes v Alaves, 10.15pm; Valencia v Las Palmas, 12.15am
Saturday Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad, 8.15pm; Girona v Atletico Madrid, 10.15pm; Sevilla v Espanyol, 12.15am
Sunday Athletic Bilbao v Getafe, 8.15am; Barcelona v Real Betis, 10.15pm; Deportivo v Real Madrid, 12.15am
Monday Levante v Villarreal, 10.15pm; Malaga v Eibar, midnight
MAIN CARD
Bantamweight 56.4kg
Abrorbek Madiminbekov v Mehdi El Jamari
Super heavyweight 94 kg
Adnan Mohammad v Mohammed Ajaraam
Lightweight 60kg
Zakaria Eljamari v Faridoon Alik Zai
Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Mahmood Amin v Taha Marrouni
Light welterweight 64.5kg
Siyovush Gulmamadov v Nouredine Samir
Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Ilyass Habibali v Haroun Baka
THE SPECS
Cadillac XT6 2020 Premium Luxury
Engine: 3.6L V-6
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 310hp
Torque: 367Nm
Price: Dh280,000
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
FIXTURES
Thu Mar 15 – West Indies v Afghanistan, UAE v Scotland
Fri Mar 16 – Ireland v Zimbabwe
Sun Mar 18 – Ireland v Scotland
Mon Mar 19 – West Indies v Zimbabwe
Tue Mar 20 – UAE v Afghanistan
Wed Mar 21 – West Indies v Scotland
Thu Mar 22 – UAE v Zimbabwe
Fri Mar 23 – Ireland v Afghanistan
The top two teams qualify for the World Cup
Classification matches
The top-placed side out of Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong or Nepal will be granted one-day international status. UAE and Scotland have already won ODI status, having qualified for the Super Six.
Thu Mar 15 – Netherlands v Hong Kong, PNG v Nepal
Sat Mar 17 – 7th-8th place playoff, 9th-10th place playoff
More coverage from the Future Forum
Defined benefit and defined contribution schemes explained
Defined Benefit Plan (DB)
A defined benefit plan is where the benefit is defined by a formula, typically length of service to and salary at date of leaving.
Defined Contribution Plan (DC)
A defined contribution plan is where the benefit depends on the amount of money put into the plan for an employee, and how much investment return is earned on those contributions.
Like a Fading Shadow
Antonio Muñoz Molina
Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
More on Quran memorisation:
Normal People
Sally Rooney, Faber & Faber
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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