Majority of Americans Doubt Election Integrity, Threatening Democracy

Reforms to restore trust in elections are needed, but partisan divides make progress difficult

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A majority of Americans no longer trust the integrity of their elections, with both Democrats and Republicans claiming fraud when their party loses. This crisis of confidence in the electoral process threatens the foundations of American democracy. Reforms to improve transparency, consistency, and speed in vote counting could help restore public trust, but partisan divisions make progress on these issues challenging.

Why it matters

Widespread distrust in elections undermines the legitimacy of elected officials and the democratic system itself. If large numbers of citizens believe elections are rigged, it erodes the social contract and could lead to political instability. Restoring faith in the electoral process is critical for the health of American democracy.

The details

Polling shows 62% of likely voters were concerned that cheating would affect the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. This skepticism crosses party lines, with both Democrats and Republicans claiming fraud when their party loses. Reforms like one-day voting, in-person voting as the standard, same-day counting of results, and national voter ID standards could help rebuild trust, but progress is hindered by partisan divides. Some argue foreign election interference is also a concern that needs to be addressed.

  • Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, 62% of likely voters expressed concern about cheating affecting the outcome.

The players

Rasmussen Reports

A polling firm that found widespread concerns about election integrity ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Donald Trump

The former president who has claimed the 2020 election was compromised, fueling doubts about the electoral process.

Kamala Harris

The former vice president who has criticized voter ID requirements, arguing they disproportionately impact certain groups.

Tulsi Gabbard

The current Director of National Intelligence who has taken an interest in election integrity and foreign interference.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The SAVE America Act, which aims to improve election integrity, has passed the House and reached the 50-vote threshold in the Senate, suggesting potential for bipartisan progress on this issue.

The takeaway

Restoring trust in elections is critical for the health of American democracy. Reforms to improve transparency, consistency, and speed in vote counting could help, but partisan divisions make progress challenging. Addressing widespread doubts about election integrity, from both sides of the aisle, is necessary to uphold the legitimacy of the democratic system.