Americans Concerned About Illegal Non-Citizen Voting in November, Poll Finds
A majority of Americans are worried about the possibility of illegal non-citizen voting in the upcoming November election, according to a recent poll.
A Scripps News/Ipsos survey revealed that over half of Americans are concerned about illegal voting and also revealed significant support for mass deportations of undocumented migrants, as Breitbart reports.
The poll, conducted between September 13 and 15, surveyed 1,027 Americans. It found that 51% of respondents expressed concern about non-citizens potentially casting illegal votes. Of those, 36% were "very concerned," while 15% were "somewhat concerned." Meanwhile, 47% of respondents said they were either "not very concerned" or "not at all concerned" about the issue.
Growing Immigration Concerns Amid Election Fears
The issue of illegal immigration is also a significant point of concern for Americans. The Pew Research Center estimated the illegal migrant population in the U.S. to be around 11 million as of 2022, though some critics argue that the true number could be much higher. These concerns are heightened by reports of "gotaways" -- undocumented migrants who evade the U.S. Border Patrol. According to Republican lawmakers on the House Committee on Homeland Security, nearly 2 million gotaways have crossed into the U.S. since the start of the Biden-Harris administration.
With illegal immigration posing a pressing issue, the poll also found that 54% of Americans support the mass deportation of illegal migrants. Thirty percent of respondents strongly supported such action, with 24% somewhat supporting it. On the other hand, 23% strongly opposed mass deportations, and 20% somewhat opposed the idea.
Immigration Views Split Along Party Lines
The Ipsos poll further revealed a partisan split when it comes to who would better handle immigration policy. When asked who they believed would handle immigration more effectively, 44% of respondents said former President Donald Trump, while only 34% backed Vice President Kamala Harris for that role. Trump has long made immigration a centerpiece of his policy platform, while Harris, under the Biden administration, has been tasked with addressing the root causes of migration in Central America.
As the November election draws near, these issues will likely continue to shape voter preferences and policy debates.
Delayed Election Results Expected in November
Beyond concerns over illegal non-citizen voting, the poll highlighted a growing awareness that Americans may not receive immediate election results on the night of Nov. 5. With the anticipated use of mail-in ballots, many media outlets have warned that the final election outcome could be delayed.
Historically, the U.S. has seen delays in close presidential races. For instance, the 1960 election between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon took until the early hours of the morning to deliver conclusive results. In 2020, the election results were not officially confirmed until four days after Election Day due to the time required to count mail-in ballots.
Concerns Over Election Security and Voting Process
The poll respondents were asked how concerned they were about the prospect of non-citizens voting illegally in the 2024 election. This concern is tied to the broader debate over election integrity and security. Many Americans are increasingly concerned that the combination of mail-in ballots and illegal voting could influence the election's outcome.
Republican lawmakers have been especially vocal in pushing for tighter border security and voter ID laws to combat potential fraud. Critics, however, argue that voter fraud is rare and that efforts to tighten election laws disproportionately affect minority communities and suppress voter turnout.
Ipsos Poll Shows Divisions Over Voter Fraud
As the country prepares for the upcoming election, the Scripps News/Ipsos poll has highlighted stark divisions over key issues such as voter fraud and immigration. The debate over illegal voting, in particular, has become increasingly polarizing.
Among those concerned about illegal non-citizen voting, opinions range from deep worry to cautious awareness. While 36% of respondents are "very concerned" about the issue, others are less alarmed. Around 15% said they were only "somewhat concerned," while 18% were "not very concerned," and 29% were "not at all concerned."
Public Support for Stronger Immigration Enforcement
The poll results also indicate strong public support for stricter immigration enforcement. With 54% of respondents backing mass deportation, the poll reflects a significant portion of the American public pushing for tougher policies.
Immigration has been a focal point in U.S. politics for years, and with the upcoming election, it remains a hot-button issue. Mass deportation policies, which many respondents favor, would significantly alter the lives of millions of undocumented migrants currently residing in the country. At the same time, opponents of mass deportation warn of the humanitarian and economic consequences of such measures.
Uncertainty Over Election Outcomes
Finally, in a notable parallel to the immigration debate, uncertainty looms over the outcome of the November election itself. In light of the delays caused by counting mail-in ballots, Americans are preparing for the possibility that results may not be available on Election Night. The New York Times has echoed these concerns, noting that the "intense security measures" required for counting ballots could contribute to the delay.
As the nation heads into the final weeks before the election, concerns about voter fraud, immigration, and the timing of election results will continue to dominate the political conversation.
Conclusion: Public Opinion Reflects Divisions Over Voting and Immigration
The Scripps News/Ipsos poll serves as a snapshot of current public opinion on two of the country's most pressing issues: illegal voting and immigration. With concerns mounting over non-citizens participating in the election and strong support for mass deportation, the poll underscores the complexities of public sentiment as the U.S. moves toward another crucial election in November.
The survey, with a margin of error of 3.6 percentage points, reveals a divided nation grappling with concerns over election integrity, immigration policy, and the uncertainty surrounding Election Night.