Dysfunction by Design?
With only one month until Election Day 2026, a new survey conducted by Better Choices for Democracy, Centerline Research and Strategy and Harris Poll reveals widespread concern among Ohio voters about candidate choice, outsized role of special interest influence in politics and the state of political institutions. Economic concerns are central to voter views. Cost of living (66%), healthcare (44%), affordable housing (31%) and data centers (22%) are the top four most important issues voters say are facing the state.
Results from a survey of 1,200 registered voters fielded between September 25-28, 2026 (±2.9pts margin of error at the 95% confidence level, including the design effect) show that Ohioans see significant problems with the way elected leaders are chosen. Eighty-one percent say candidates pay too much attention to special interests. About three out of four voters (74%) say that they don’t have enough viable choices when it comes to candidates, and feel forced to choose a candidate that has a realistic chance of winning over their preferred candidate. About three in four voters (73%) also say that the general election feels decided before they have even cast their ballot. Together, these findings point to voter dissatisfaction with both the choices they have and their ability to influence how leaders are chosen.
