A narrow majority of Americans are confident the November midterm elections will be conducted fairly and accurately, but confidence has declined from the previous three federal election cycles, according to a Pew Research Center survey.
The survey found 55% of adults were very or somewhat confident in fair and accurate administration, down from 61% ahead of the 2024 election, 64% in 2022 and 59% in 2020. Pew surveyed 3,554 U.S. adults from July 6-12.
Unlike in recent election years, confidence was similar across party lines: 55% among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents and 58% among Democrats and Democratic leaners. Republican confidence increased from 47% in 2024, while Democratic confidence fell from 77%.
Overall, 66% of adults said they were confident all citizens who want to vote would be able to cast ballots. That included 83% of Republicans and 53% of Democrats.
A separate Pew survey of 5,103 adults conducted April 20-26 found 90% considered it important that no eligible voter be prevented from voting, while 85% said it was important that no ineligible voter be permitted to vote.
Partisan perceptions diverged on whether elections meet those goals. Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say elections prevent no eligible voters from participating, while Democrats were much more likely to say elections prevent ineligible voters from casting ballots.
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