A recent AP-NORC poll reveals a nation on edge as Americans brace for potential post-election violence and political unrest.
At a Glance
- 41% of Americans are “extremely” or “very” worried about post-election unrest
- 42% express significant concern about increased political violence
- 37% fear legal challenges to overturn election results
- Former President Trump suggests using military to handle potential violence
- Racial and partisan divides evident in emotional responses to upcoming election
Americans Deeply Concerned About Post-Election Turmoil
As the nation approaches another pivotal election, a new poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research unveils widespread anxiety among American voters. The survey, carried out in mid-October, paints a stark picture of a country grappling with fears of post-election violence and political instability.
The poll’s findings are sobering: a significant 41% of respondents report being “extremely” or “very” concerned about the possibility of unrest following Election Day. An additional 35% describe themselves as “somewhat” concerned, underscoring the pervasive nature of these worries across the electorate.
Rising Fears of Political Violence
Perhaps even more alarming is the level of concern regarding potential political violence. The survey reveals that 42% of Americans are “extremely concerned” about an increase in politically motivated violence, with 16% categorizing their worry as “extreme” and 25% as “very concerned.” These figures suggest a deep-seated anxiety about the stability of the nation’s democratic processes.
“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.” – Donald Trump
Adding to the tension, former President Donald Trump has suggested deploying the National Guard or military to address potential election-related violence. Trump attributes these perceived threats to what he calls “radical left lunatics” and “the enemy from within,” language that may further inflame partisan divisions.
Legal Challenges and Electoral Integrity
The poll also highlights concerns about the integrity of the electoral process itself. A substantial 37% of respondents express being “extremely” or “very concerned” about the possibility of legal challenges aimed at overturning election results. This worry is compounded by the fact that 32% are similarly concerned about local officials potentially obstructing the finalization of election outcomes.
76% Of Americans Are Worried About Post-Election Violence: Poll https://t.co/BpknGiKxvv
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) October 30, 2024
These anxieties reflect a broader unease about the stability of America’s democratic institutions and the potential for disputed election results to spark conflict. The specter of the 2020 election and its aftermath looms large in the public consciousness, likely contributing to the current climate of apprehension.
Partisan and Racial Divides in Election Emotions
The survey also reveals significant partisan and racial differences in emotional responses to the upcoming election. While 37% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans report feeling excited about the election, only 24% of independents share this enthusiasm. This suggests a notable disengagement among independent voters, with just 54% expressing interest in the campaign.
Anxiety levels also vary along party lines, with 79% of Democrats feeling anxious about the election compared to 66% of Republicans and 49% of independents. Frustration is high across the board, with 72% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans expressing irritation with the political climate.
Racial differences are also evident in the emotional landscape surrounding the election. The poll finds that 46% of Black adults feel excited about the upcoming vote, compared to 33% of white adults. Conversely, Black adults report less frustration (55%) and anxiety (62%) than their white counterparts (74% and 73%, respectively).
As the nation moves closer to Election Day, these findings underscore the complex and often tense political environment in which Americans find themselves. The widespread concern about post-election violence and challenges to electoral integrity highlights the critical importance of transparent, fair, and secure electoral processes to maintain public trust in the democratic system.
