Trust in U.S. midterm elections is plummeting, with just 49% of Americans now believing they’ll be free and fair — a sharp drop from 60% in January and 55% in September. Republicans and Independents feel the hit hardest, citing fears of mail-in ballot fraud and noncitizen voting, while Democrats worry about ICE at polling places and gerrymandering. Surprisingly, 40% think ICE agents are likely to show up — seen as a confidence killer by Democrats but a confidence booster by Republicans. The President’s rhetoric is a key driver of distrust among his supporters, while Democrats lean on election officials for reassurance. Ironically, this widespread skepticism may actually boost turnout, as both sides still believe elections are winnable — though those with less education and lower incomes are significantly more skeptical than their wealthier, better-educated peers.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2026/09/15/ucsd-survey-finds-fewer-than-half-of-americans-trust-us-elections

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