Nobody Trusts Elections -- That’s the Crisis

The integrity of American elections is in crisis as a majority of voters express distrust in the electoral process. This distrust transcends political lines and raises significant concerns about the legitimacy of future elections.

1. Widespread Distrust: According to recent polls, 62% of likely voters worry that cheating will improperly influence election outcomes. This sentiment spans both major political parties.

2. Historical Context: Every major election has seen claims of cheating, whether it was Democrats alleging George W. Bush stole the 2000 election or Republicans believing the 2020 election was compromised through various voting methods.

3. Erosion of Trust: The frequency of claims regarding election fraud has shifted the debate from who wins elections to a broader concern over the perceived legitimacy of the electoral system. Many citizens view losses as illegitimate, indicating a deep-seated distrust.

4. Need for Reform: To restore confidence, reforms are necessary to enhance transparency and consistency in the electoral process. This includes ensuring that fraud is difficult, and detection is easy.

5. Recommendations for Changes:

• Implement one-day voting with few exceptions.

• Make in-person voting standard practice.

• Count votes on the same day to provide immediate results.

• Establish uniform national voting standards.

• Consider declaring a national holiday on Election Day.

6. Public Support for Reforms: The SAVE America Act, which emphasizes that only U. S. citizens should vote and advocates for verification of eligibility, has significant bipartisan support. Many voters favor photo ID requirements.

7. The Impact of Delayed Counting: Extended periods of vote counting foster suspicion and distrust. Swift results ideally prevent confusion and conspiracy theories, enhancing public confidence in electoral outcomes.

8. Foreign Interference Concerns: The debate about election security includes worries over foreign influence, a topic that has seen cross-party backing in earlier discussions.

Diminished trust in elections threatens the very fabric of democracy in the United States. Improving the electoral system is essential, as it could prevent future allegations and restore legitimacy. Until meaningful reforms are undertaken, skepticism will continue to overshadow every election, undermining the nation’s democratic principles. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/02/nobody_trusts_elections_that_s_the_crisis.html