A new survey conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that nearly 8 in 10 voters believe Kamala Harris will accept the results and concede if she loses the elections, with a majority of Republican voters sharing this opinion.
However, Democrats and Republicans differ in their views on who would undermine democracy if they won the presidency. While about half of voters believe a victory by Trump would weaken democracy in the U.S., around 4 in 10 say the same about Harris. This division reflects the ideological stances that characterize American society.
The survey also reveals that only about a third of voters expect Trump to accept the results and concede if he loses, with Republicans more confident he will act this way than Democrats.
Concerns about democracy and election outcomes intertwine with voters' perceptions of the candidates. Approximately 8 in 10 Republicans see a potential second term for Trump as a strengthening of democracy, while a similar proportion of Democrats believe a Harris presidency would have the same effect.
Statements from some voters reflect these concerns and divisions. For example, Kaye, a retired healthcare worker, rates Trump as an "existential threat to the Constitution" and expresses her surprise that the Republican Party continues to support him as a candidate. On the other hand, Republican voter Debra Apodaca views Harris as a greater threat to democracy.
The survey also addresses voters' concerns about possible attempts to overturn election results or challenge the peaceful transfer of power after the November elections. These worries are fueled by Trump's past behavior and current rhetoric.
In summary, the survey reflects deep concern among Americans about the future of democracy in the country, with marked partisan divisions and polarized opinions on how different political scenarios could affect the nation. Voters express their fears and visions about the candidates and the political system in general, revealing a heterogeneous perspective leading up to the presidential elections.
