National Guard at Polls: NPR/PBS News Poll Reveals US Views on Election Security
Close to half of Americans – 46% – now support the idea of deploying the National Guard to polling places this November, a figure that signals a potential openness, particularly among Republicans, to increased military involvement in election oversight. This finding, from a fresh NPR/PBS News/Marist poll released this week, comes as anxieties around election integrity remain high and as the U.S. Navigates ongoing international conflicts.
Whereas the deployment of National Guard troops by state governors to support elections is legally permissible – and often involves assistance with cybersecurity and logistical support – federal law prohibits the federal government from sending soldiers to polling places. The poll highlights a stark partisan divide, with roughly three in four Republicans expressing support for National Guard presence, while a similar proportion of Democrats oppose it.
A Shifting Landscape of Election Confidence
The survey’s findings are particularly noteworthy given the broader context of declining trust in the election process. While a majority of Americans (two-thirds) still express confidence in their state or local government’s ability to run fair and accurate elections, this represents a decrease from previous years. Experts suggest this erosion of trust is no longer solely concentrated among those who falsely claim widespread voter fraud, but is increasingly shared across the political spectrum.
Paul Gronke, an election administration expert at Reed College, points to a concerning trend: “It’s as if partisans are seeing the same image but through different mirrors or prisms. They’re worried about the election. But the source of those worries, the undercurrent, seems to be different.” Democrats primarily express concerns about voter suppression and misinformation, while Republicans remain focused on the possibility of voter fraud. This divergence in perception underscores the challenges in fostering a shared understanding of election integrity.
The Influence of Current Events
The timing of the poll is significant, coinciding with heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly the recent conflict with Iran and a recent bombing attempt in New York. Florida State University professor Michael Morley suggests these events may be influencing public opinion. “I reckon the conflict with Iran and recent terrorist bombing attempt in New York may influence public opinion on this issue, especially over the next few weeks,” he said. “Most of the time having the National Guard at polling places would be seen as unnecessary. But I think most average Americans may be far more worried about the possibility of a terrorist attack.”
These concerns are further fueled by statements from former President Trump, who has repeatedly questioned the integrity of past elections and even suggested deploying the National Guard to seize election equipment. While he has not explicitly called for such a deployment in the upcoming midterms, his rhetoric has contributed to a climate of distrust and heightened anxieties among some voters. State and local voting officials have expressed growing unease about the possibility of federal intervention, particularly following National Guard deployments to American cities last year. NPR previously reported on these concerns.
Legal Boundaries and Historical Context
It’s crucial to understand the legal framework surrounding the leverage of military personnel in elections. While states have the authority to request assistance from their National Guard units, federal law explicitly prohibits the federal government from deploying troops to polling places. Rebecca Green, co-director of the election law program at William &. Mary, emphasizes that “These laws were designed to ensure that there is no federal interference with voting.” She adds that such interference could be seen as intimidating to voters and would violate established legal precedent.
The legal restrictions stem from a long history of concerns about federal overreach in election administration. The aim is to preserve the principle of state control over elections and to protect the right of citizens to vote free from coercion or intimidation.
AI and Misinformation: A Growing Concern
Beyond the debate over military presence, the NPR/PBS News/Marist poll likewise revealed widespread concern about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the midterm elections. More than 80% of Americans anticipate that AI will be used to spread misinformation about voting this year. This concern reflects a growing awareness of the potential for AI-generated “deepfakes” and other forms of disinformation to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in the electoral process.
Looking Ahead: Election Security and Public Trust
The findings of this poll underscore the complex challenges facing election officials as they prepare for the upcoming midterms. Addressing concerns about election security, combating misinformation, and restoring public trust will require a multifaceted approach. This includes strengthening cybersecurity measures, enhancing voter education efforts, and promoting transparency in the election process.
it’s essential for political leaders to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims about election fraud and to respect the integrity of the democratic process. The normalization of such rhetoric can erode public confidence and create an environment of distrust that undermines the foundations of our democracy.
The Brennan Center for Justice provides detailed information on federal and state election laws banning federal forces at polling places. Ongoing monitoring of public opinion, coupled with proactive measures to address legitimate concerns, will be crucial in ensuring a fair and secure election.
The Marist poll’s full results and methodology are available here.