A new Gallup poll shows Americans entering the 2026 midterm election season with widespread concerns about election integrity, as majorities express worries regarding political interference, ballot handling, and other issues that could undermine confidence in the voting process.
The survey reveals that voters in both major parties fear politicians might pressure election officials to alter results. This concern is shared by 56% of Republicans and 77% of Democrats.
These findings emerge as election security remains a critical issue in national politics.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that weaknesses in the election system threaten public confidence, and he 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, claiming 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 safeguards for federal elections.
Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in U.S. federal elections, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Supporters of the legislation argue that additional requirements would enhance enforcement, while critics maintain existing law already makes such voting illegal.
Senate Republicans are working to advance key provisions of the legislation through the budget reconciliation process, which could allow them to bypass a Democratic filibuster with a simple majority vote.
Critics contend the proposal might make voting more difficult and warn that changes to election procedures risk eroding confidence in the system.
Gallup also found Americans’ concerns extend far beyond election officials. Eighty percent of respondents reported having either “a great deal” or “a fair amount” of concern that political leaders would take actions they know are possibly illegal.
The poll further indicates 78% express worry about wealthy individuals or organizations making large, anonymous political donations, while 77% fear gerrymandering as new district maps shape the upcoming midterm elections.
Additionally, 40% of respondents reported concerns about their own voting experience, with Gallup noting they worry they could be confronted, followed, or recorded while casting a ballot.
Overall, the survey found concern is widespread rather than isolated to a single issue. Nearly three-quarters of Americans, or 73%, said they have at least “a fair amount” of concern about multiple aspects of the election process, reflecting persistent unease over U.S. election integrity heading into November’s midterms.
The poll was conducted from April 24 through June 10 among 23,683 U.S. adults, with a margin of error of plus or minus 0.7 percentage points.
