A recent poll conducted by Impact Research for the Roosevelt Institute reveals a stark reality for nearly one-third of American voters: financial instability and disillusionment with the economic system. Dubbed the 'disillusioned,' this group, comprising 32% of registered voters, feels the system disproportionately favors corporations and the wealthy, while federal policies actively harm the middle class.
Financial Strain Defines the Disillusioned
The survey, conducted in May 2026 among 1,000 registered voters, highlights the severe financial pressures faced by this group. Eighty-five percent report being financially worried, with 27% tapping into retirement savings to cover everyday expenses. Forty-two percent have ceased saving altogether, and nearly half say their quality of life has declined over the past two years.
"The disillusionment is not a full walking away. It means people have expectations, and those expectations haven’t been met in the past," said Elizabeth Wilkins, CEO of the Roosevelt Institute.
Who Are the Disillusioned?
Contrary to stereotypes, the disillusioned are not a monolithic group. They span urban, suburban, and rural areas, mirroring the broader electorate in demographics. Sixty-four percent earn less than $75,000 annually, and 70% lack a college degree, making them disproportionately working class. Politically, they are a diverse mix, with 43% identifying as Democrats, 29% as independents, and only 25% as Republicans.
This group’s financial struggles are not unique but represent an intensification of broader working-class challenges. They cut back on transportation, buy groceries on credit, take gig work, and skip bills — sacrifices that have solidified a pessimistic worldview.
As Wilkins noted, this moment is less about partisan divides and more about a growing sense that the American Dream has unraveled for many. The disillusioned aren’t just angry; they’re exhausted by a system that has failed to deliver on its promises.