Poll: ObamaCare looms large in midterms

More than 80 percent of people in a new poll say the healthcare law will be an important factor in determining their vote in the midterm elections. 

A USA Today-Pew Research survey released Thursday found 54 percent call the law “very important” in determining their vote. 

The survey came after the administration announced more than 7 million people signed up for healthcare through the newly created exchanges. Republicans have sought to make the law a central focus ahead of the midterms, believing it will drag down Democrats.  

When broken down, 64 percent of Republicans — most of whom oppose the law — call it a very important factor heading into the election, while 52 percent of Democrats say the same. 

Forty-five percent of Independents call the law very important in determining their vote.

Sixty percent of those who oppose the law say it will be very important to their vote in the midterms. Only 48 percent of those who support the law say it will be very important to their vote. 

Overall, support for the law has changed little in the past month. Thirty-seven percent approve of the law while 50 percent disapprove. 

Fifty-seven percent say the law has not had much effect on their family. Twenty-four percent say it has had a negative effect, while 17 say it has been mostly positive.

In the coming years, 44 percent predict the law’s effect on the country will be mostly negative, while 38 percent expect it to be mostly positive. Another 12 percent say it will not have much of an effect. 

The poll surveyed 1,010 people from April 3-6 and has a 3.6-percentage-point margin of error.