Story perspectives

Trust in 2026 Midterms Plummets Amid Voting Fears

2/18/2026

Center

Voter Confidence Decline

A UC San Diego survey finds trust in U.S. elections shrinking, with 60% confident in 2026 midterms, a 17-point drop from 2024.
Independent voters have 57% confidence, while Republicans and Democrats have 65% and 64%.
Forty-six percent fear intimidation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at polling places, particularly among Hispanic and Black voters.
Democrats and Republicans alike doubt redistricting, with 51% and 48% doubting how lines are drawn.

Left

Trump Proposes Poll Monitoring

Concerns about ICE presence at polling places ahead of the 2026 midterms prompt U.S. President Donald Trump and Steve Bannon to propose immigration officers monitor voting.
Todd Lyons, acting chief of ICE, says there is no reason for agents to be at polling locations.
Senator Alex Padilla pushes an amendment to the DHS funding bill to prohibit federal law enforcement from patrolling polls.

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Voter Confidence Decline

A UC San Diego survey finds trust in U.S. elections shrinking, with 60% confident in 2026 midterms, a 17-point drop from 2024.
Independent voters have 57% confidence, while Republicans and Democrats have 65% and 64%.
Forty-six percent fear intimidation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at polling places, particularly among Hispanic and Black voters.
Democrats and Republicans alike doubt redistricting, with 51% and 48% doubting how lines are drawn.

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