Half of America fears that democracy will weaken regardless of the election outcome. Many are worried about the strength of the nation’s democracy.
Voters are increasingly concerned about political violence and the potential for contested election results. According to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research, 40% of registered voters are concerned about violent attempts to challenge the election.
Donald Trump’s ongoing claims of election fraud intensify these fears. He suggests he can only lose if the election is rigged.
Despite nearly 90% of voters believing that the loser should concede after all votes are counted and legal issues are resolved, only one-third expect Trump will concede if he loses. Views on Trump’s concession differ sharply between Democrats and Republicans. About two-thirds of Republican voters think Trump would concede, compared to just 1 in 10 Democrats.
Conversely, nearly 80% believe Kamala Harris would concede if she loses, including most Republicans.
Voters are split on whether Trump or Harris would weaken democracy. About half say Trump would, and 40% say the same for Harris.
Read: Donald Trump Responds to Nazi Allegations at Atlanta Rally
The stark ideological divide among Americans was further highlighted by the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Democrats and independents largely blame Trump for the attack.
Other issues, like the Electoral College versus the popular vote, also show deep divides.
As the nation faces uncertainty, the election’s impact will extend beyond the ballot box, influencing American democracy and global affairs.
