Ipsos Poll Reveals Majority Concerned About Political Violence Following Election

According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, two out of three Americans are concerned about the potential for political violence following the Nov. 5 election rematch between President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump.

The survey of 3,934 U.S. adults revealed widespread fears of a repeat of the unrest that followed Trump’s 2020 election defeat, with concerns about election integrity and potential violence if extremists are unhappy with the outcome.

Trump is calling for a secure election without integrity questions, while expressing doubts about the fairness of U.S. elections.

The poll found that 68% of respondents, including 83% of Democrats and 65% of Republicans, agreed they were concerned about the possibility of violence by extremists if they are dissatisfied with the election results.

Republicans showed more distrust in the fairness of U.S. elections compared to Democrats, with only 47% expressing confidence in the accuracy of the November election results, while 87% of Democrats were confident.

Trump’s refusal to accept defeat in 2020 led to a turbulent year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and racial justice protests, culminating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

More than 1,400 people have been arrested in connection with the Capitol attack, with some facing criminal charges. Trump himself is facing charges in Washington and Georgia related to contesting the election’s integrity.

Recent threats and harassment against election workers and public officials have raised concerns about potential violence in the upcoming election.

The poll’s findings are consistent with a similar survey conducted in 2022, showing ongoing concerns about extremist violence in the country.

Newsmax writer Eric Mack contributed to the Reuters report.