RightCount Survey Indicates Declining Voter Confidence, Bipartisan Road Ahead on State-Led Reforms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 6, 2026

Gov. Brewer: “...we cannot rely on political rhetoric or sweeping federal mandates to restore public trust.”

PHOENIX, AZ: Heading into the 2026 midterms, public confidence in election administration and procedures now largely matches confidence in 2020 results, leaving the electorate primed to doubt close outcomes. According to a new national survey of 1,200 likely general election voters commissioned by RightCount and conducted by Cygnal, breaking this destructive cycle of distrust requires moving beyond political rhetoric and defending the status quo to advancing a state-led reform agenda that can command broad majority support across party lines.

There is danger on the immediate horizon. The survey reveals that a majority (58%) of voters supported the now failed SAVE America Act, with 71% of Republicans saying this November's results cannot be trusted without it. Close results this November will require a vigorous defense of our election processes and honest and transparent admissions of any mistakes.

At the same time, voters overwhelmingly favor state-level election administration over federal control by a 59% to 32% margin. Some of the specific security policies found in the SAVE America Act draw even stronger cross-ideological backing when presented as individual reforms, creating a clear opportunity for advocates and state legislators to regain eroded trust in the election administration process at the local level, consistent with constitutional principles.

“With voter anxiety consistent with post-2020 levels ahead of midterm contests, we cannot rely on political rhetoric or sweeping partisan federal mandates to restore public trust,” said former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, State Chair of RightCount Arizona. “Breaking this cycle of distrust can be accomplished with action where voters are already aligned. Pro-democracy advocates across the political spectrum can help put this issue to bed by embracing common-sense verification measures, like voter ID and proof of citizenship measures, that voters for both parties broadly back. And these reforms find the strongest support by focusing on state-level, targeted legislation rather than attempted federal overhauls that are either unconstitutional or simply not viable. Our elections belong to the states, and state-led verification and security measures are the single best path to results every American can trust.”

Key Takeaways from the Cygnal / RightCount National Survey

• A Crisis of Confidence Ahead of Midterms: 35% of likely voters expect outcome-changing errors or fraud in the 2026 midterms – matching the 35% who hold that view about 2020 and jumping from the 20% who said fraud altered the 2024 results. Doubts have increased among Republicans (15% in 2024 to 40% in 2026), Independents (18% to 32%), and Democrats (27% to 32%).

• High Demand for Components of the SAVE America Act: Individual security provisions generate supermajority backing, providing a clear blueprint for state-level legislation:

  • Proof of Citizenship to Register: Backed by 73% of voters overall, including 92% of Republicans, 74% of Independents, and a 52% majority of Democrats.
  • Photo Voter ID: Backed by 70% of voters overall, including 94% of Republicans, 68% of Independents, and 44% of Democrats.

• Clear Preference for Constitutional Federalism: By a 59% to 32% margin, voters prefer elections to be governed and administered at the state level.

• Heightened Vulnerability in Close Contests: 52% of respondents feel election administration is becoming less trustworthy overall. In close congressional races decided by a few hundred votes, 55% of all voters – and 91% of Republicans – express deep concern that non-citizen voting could sway the final outcome.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted September 11 – 13, 2026, by Cygnal among 1,200 likely general election voters nationwide via online panel and SMS text-to-web. The survey was weighted to a likely general election voter universe and carries a margin of error of ±2.83%.

About RightCount

RightCount is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and building public confidence in American elections. By elevating constitutional federalism, state-level administration, and local accountability, RightCount works to ensure every election is secure, transparent, and accessible to voters across the nation. For more information, visit RightCount.org.