BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A new survey of Washington voters finds they are optimistic heading into the new year.

Pollster Stewart Elway says public sentiment has rebounded from last July, when a majority of those they polled said things were getting worse for themselves and their families.

Party affiliation influenced responses, with a majority of Democrats being optimistic while most Republicans think we are headed in the wrong direction.

The economy is the top concern for voters, while crime and homelessness are also major worries.

State voters give Governor Inslee middling marks for job performance, with 46% saying he’s doing an excellent or good job and 52% rating his performance fair or poor.