Claims of cheating in elections that once drew eye-rolling from most are now accepted by a majority of voters who believe it happened in recent elections and will occur again.
What’s more, sizable percentages of partisans believe state and federal officials have ignored reports of cheating and widespread election fraud, a situation that gained currency after the 2020 national election delivered a victory to President Joe Biden.
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In the latest Rasmussen Reports survey out Wednesday, 56% said officials have been ignoring reports of cheating that has had an effect on results. That includes 44% of Democrats and 74% of Republicans.
The survey, previewed for Secrets, also said 52% of likely voters believe cheating affected the 2022 midterm elections that delivered a much smaller victory to Republicans than polls predicted. Even 41% of Democrats agreed.
And fears it will continue are clear, especially as the country turns to the 2024 elections and efforts by Democrats to dismantle election integrity reforms put in place by Republican-led states.
Rasmussen said a majority, 54%, believe cheating will “affect the outcome” of the 2024 election. Biden and former President Donald Trump are leading their party’s nomination race in national polls.
In the survey, 30% said cheating is “very likely.” Some 46% of Democrats and 69% of Republicans expect 2024 election cheating, a poor sign that the nation will be satisfied with the outcome.
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While there is agreement that election fraud is prevalent, there is little agreement on who has the best solution. Asked which party voters trust more to protect the integrity of elections, 40% chose Republicans, and 39% picked Democrats. Even independent voters were widely split. They chose Republicans over Democrats 37%-28%, but 34% were “not sure.”
And it’s not just older voters who see cheating. Younger voters see it more. Rasmussen said, “Suspicions of election cheating are highest among voters under 40.”
