Full Breakdown
Americans’ Confidence and Concerns Ahead of the 2026 Midterm Elections
By Drooid · · How we work
Public Confidence in Election Fairness
A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll (Oct. 9-13, 2026) found about six-in-ten U.S. adults are confident the upcoming midterms will be conducted fairly and accurately. Confidence rises to over two-thirds among registered voters. Among partisans, 70 % of Democrats and 67 % of Republicans share this view, while 51 % of independents say the same. The poll was released ahead of early-voting on October 16, 2026.
Expectations of Trump’s Acceptance of Results
The same survey revealed deep skepticism about former President Donald Trump’s willingness to accept a loss. Roughly 71 % of respondents say they are not confident Trump will accept the results if Republicans lose, including 94 % of Democrats and 63 % of Republicans. Only 28 % express any confidence—10 % “very” confident and 18 % “somewhat” confident. Among “MAGA” Republicans, 74 % claim confidence, but only a quarter describe it as “very confident.”
Economic and Corruption Concerns
Trump’s approval rating has slipped to the low-30s, with disapproval around two-thirds of adults. Economic anxiety is pronounced: 71 % describe gas prices as a serious problem, and 44 % say their financial situation is worse than a year ago. An NBC News Decision Desk poll (Sept. 28-Oct. 12, 2026) found 52 % of adults view the Trump administration as “more corrupt” than prior administrations.
Key Demographic Insights
Among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), about one-quarter approve of Trump’s overall performance and roughly one-fifth approve of his handling of the economy. Nine-in-ten AAPI adults rank the economy as a top election issue, and eight-in-ten cite the cost of living.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump has asserted he will accept election outcomes only if they are “fair and legal,” a stance he repeated during the 2024 campaign. The administration has threatened criminal prosecution of election officials who count ballots from non-citizens, despite no evidence that non-citizen voting has altered results. The DOJ has sued California over a list of approximately 20,000 alleged non-citizen voters, without explaining how the list was compiled.
Data & Statistics
- Election fairness confidence: ~60 % of adults; >66 % of registered voters.
- Trump acceptance confidence: 28 % overall; 94 % of Democrats not confident.
- Trump approval: low-30s; disapproval ~66 %.
- Economic distress: 44 % worse off financially; 71 % cite gas prices as serious.
- Corruption perception: 52 % view Trump administration as “more corrupt.”
- AAPI political views: 25 % approve of Trump overall; 20 % approve of his economic handling; 90 % rank the economy as a top issue.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The ABC poll reports 60 % confidence in election fairness, while the NBC Decision Desk poll emphasizes broader dissatisfaction but does not provide a comparable fairness metric, leaving a gap in cross-source comparison. Trump’s exact legal strategy regarding non-citizen voting remains unclear, as the DOJ’s lawsuit provides no details on the source of the alleged list.
What’s Next
The midterm elections are scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026. House-control expectations from the ABC poll show 35 % expect Democrats to retain the chamber, 16 % expect Republicans, 28 % see a toss-up, and 21 % are unsure. Voter enthusiasm and confidence in the electoral process will likely shape the final outcomes.
