How much do Americans trust the 2026 midterm elections? Fresno State political science professor Dr. Lisa Bryant examines voter confidence, political polarization and public trust in U.S. elections.
In this episode of Fresno State’s “Tell me about…” research series, Bryant explores how partisan divisions shape Americans’ perceptions of election integrity, why confidence in election results often depends on which party wins and what declining trust means for democracy.
Topics covered:
- Political polarization and negative partisanship.
- Voter confidence in the 2026 midterm elections.
- How election outcomes influence public trust.
- The relationship between election integrity, voter participation and trust in government.
- Why transparent election processes matter for democracy.
Discover how Fresno State faculty research helps the public understand the challenges facing local communities and the country.
Video by Jeff Phillips (‘11) and Oliver Greenbarg (‘16)
