Americans Mostly Agree Democracy Is On The Ballot In November, But Disagree On The Threat

A majority of Americans believe that the November 2024 election will be essential in preserving democracy, but differ in their reasoning, according to an AP-NORC poll released Thursday.

Nearly 75% of respondents said that the upcoming presidential election will be “extremely” or “very” important for “the future of democracy in the U.S.,” according to the poll. A majority of both Republicans and Democrats responded that democracy “could be at risk” depending on who wins in November.

Ernie Wagner, a Republican from New York, told the Associated Press the Biden-Harris administration abused their executive power, citing concerns from the party that the administration “weaponized” the Department of Justice.

“Biden has tried to erase the student loans, and he’s been told by the courts that it’s unconstitutional to do that,” Wagner told the outlet. “He’s weaponized the FBI to get at his political opponents.”

Pamela Hanson, a Democrat from Wisconsin, told the AP, however, that she worries for the country’s future if former President Donald Trump is elected back to office.

“His statements tend towards him being a king or a dictator, a person in charge by himself,” Hanson said. “I mean, the man is unhinged in my opinion.”

Only 24% of Republicans and 20% of Democrats responded that democracy will prevail “no matter who wins”, while 17% and 12%, respectively, said that democracy “is already so seriously broken that it doesn’t matter who wins,” the poll shows. Among independents, 37% believe the nation’s democracy is already beyond saving.