More than half of those who plan to tick Donald Trump's name at the ballot box say they will be voting against Hillary Clinton, rather than for the Republican nominee.

According to a Pew survey released on Wednesday, 51 per cent of those lining up behind Mr Trump are doing so because they have rejected Mrs Clinton, rather than because they support the businessman.

All votes count the same, but the new data is yet another reminder of just how unpopular both presidential nominees are.

Even in 2012, with America bitterly divided over whether President Barack Obama had earned another term, 57 per cent of Mitt Romney's supporters felt they were voting for him rather than against Mr Obama.