POLL: Most Americans are worried about potential post-election violence

11/01/2024 / By Laura Harris

A recent Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll has revealed that most Americans are worried about post-election violence.

The study, conducted from Oct. 11 to 14 among 1,072 registered voters, reveals that 41 percent of respondents are “extremely” or “very” concerned, with another 35 percent feeling “somewhat” concerned about the possibility of unrest after Election Day.

Notably, 42 percent of respondents are “extremely concerned” regarding increased political violence, specifically threats against political figures or election officials. Among this group, 16 percent were “extremely concerned” and 25 percent were “very concerned.” Another 40 percent of participants were “somewhat concerned” about political violence, while 18 percent were “not very” or “not at all concerned.” (Related: Post-election 2020: Two studies say all hell to break loose.)

Legal challenges also weigh in on Americans, with 37 percent reporting they were “extremely” or “very concerned” about attempts to overturn election results through legal avenues. Meanwhile, 36 percent of respondents believe the likelihood of legal attempts to overturn results is “somewhat concerning” and only 26 percent were not significantly worried.

Concerns extended to actions by local state officials, with 32 percent of Americans “extremely” or “very concerned” about officials preventing election results from being finalized. In contrast, 35 percent of respondents believe this is only a “moderate concern” and 33 percent were “not very” or “not at all concerned” about local officials attempting to subvert the election.

This political violence-related argument comes after former President Donald Trump stated that, should violence break out, the National Guard or even the military could be used to intervene and restore order.

“I think it should be very easily handled by, if necessary, by National Guard, or if really necessary, by the military, because they can’t let that happen,” Trump said in an Oct. 13 interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, in response to a question about the possibility of election-related violence.

Additionally, Trump clarified that the potential threats will be due to “radical left lunatics” and “the enemy from within” and not from his supporters or even foreign actors.

Americans feel anxious, frustrated and less excited about the upcoming election

Many Americans feel a mix of emotions about the upcoming election.

A separate Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, conducted from Oct. 24 to 28 among 1,233 adults, reveals that American adults across the political spectrum and racial demographics feel a mix of anxiety, frustration and excitement about this year’s presidential election. Most of these adults feel anxious, frustrated and interested, with less than half feeling genuinely excited.

For instance, 37 percent of Democrats and 41 percent Republicans reveal feeling excited about the election. Meanwhile, independents are less enthusiastic, with only 24 percent saying they feel excited about it.

In terms of anxiety, Democrats report the highest levels, with 79 percent of respondents feeling uneasy about the election, compared with 66 percent of Republicans and just 49 percent of independents. Frustration also runs high across the board, with 72 percent of Democrats and 68 percent of Republicans expressing irritation over the election. The survey also suggests political detachment among nonpartisan voters, as only 54 percent of independents show interest in the campaign compared to the 80 percent of Democrats and 77 percent of Republicans.

The poll also sheds light on racial differences in emotional responses to the campaign. Black adults show greater excitement (46 percent) than white adults (33 percent) and report feeling less frustrated (55 percent to 74 percent) or anxious (62 percent to 73 percent) than their white counterparts. Hispanic adults also report less frustration (63 percent) than white adults.

Watch this video explaining how mail-in ballots are a win for Democrats.

This video is from the UAF Network channel on Brighteon.com.