### Majority of Swing-State Voters Fear Possible Violence If Trump Loses

A recent poll conducted by The Washington Post-Schar School indicates that a substantial portion of voters in critical battleground states worry about potential violence from Donald Trump’s supporters if he does not win the upcoming presidential election. Among the more than 5,000 registered voters surveyed, 57% expressed concern that Trump’s backers might turn violent if he loses, compared to just 31% who harbor similar fears about Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters.

The survey, carried out in early October across six pivotal states, reveals that two-thirds of voters doubt Trump would concede defeat gracefully, while over the same proportion have confidence that Harris would accept the election outcome. These findings underscore growing apprehension about the erosion of democratic norms in the United States.

"These findings are discouraging," remarked Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. "It tells us we've lost a lot in a very short period of time, that we cannot assume that people will accept the legitimacy of the outcome of an election, and that a peaceful transfer of power is something that just automatically happens here."

The poll comes in the wake of the 2020 presidential election, during which Trump triggered an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to interrupt the certification of Joe Biden's victory. In the months that followed, Trump has persisted with unsubstantiated fraud claims, casting doubt on future election results if they do not favor him. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris has emphasized her belief in the electoral process and criticized Trump’s rhetoric as undermining democracy.

Efforts to mitigate the prospect of election-related violence have been ramped up. Former governors from both the Democratic and Republican parties have released messages urging against political violence and encouraging trust in the election process. Additionally, the federal government plans to enhance security measures at the Capitol during the counting of electoral college votes on January 6, 2025, elevating the event's security to the level of presidential inaugurations and political conventions.

Despite concerns over Trump’s potential reaction and his history of inflammatory statements, the poll suggests a narrow edge for Trump over Harris in terms of trusted stewardship of democracy, 43% to 40%. Nevertheless, a vast majority, including three-quarters of Harris’s supporters, believe that American institutions would ultimately prevent any dictatorial overreach.

At a Harris rally in Flint, Michigan, voter Justice Patterson expressed fears both about Trump winning and the potential for another January 6-style insurrection if he loses. Conversely, at a Trump rally in Saginaw, Michigan, voter Kelly Streich voiced unwavering support for Trump, reflecting skepticism towards the Democrats and questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election.

The detailed poll underscores the complex and polarized landscape as America approaches another crucial election, highlighting the pressing need for confidence in the democratic process and its institutions.