Voter Protection Program Poll Finds Americans Overwhelmingly Want Every Legal Vote Counted

Washington, D.C. — Public opinion polling conducted by the Mellman Group on behalf of the Voter Protection Program (VPP) shows that the American people strongly believe we can’t let a candidate steal the election by claiming victory before all legal votes are counted.

Conducted October 29 – November 2, the national poll of registered voters shows they are likely to reject a premature claim of victory by any candidate, including President Trump, and demand that every vote be counted. The survey found 59% of Americans worry at least “a great deal” about a candidate stealing the election, and an overwhelming majority, 77%, say counting every legal vote is more important than having their preferred candidate win.

Joanna Lydgate, National Director of the Voter Protection Program said, “The American people overwhelmingly agree that no candidate gets to steal this election by declaring himself the winner before all legal votes are counted. You don’t call the game at halftime. This is about respecting the will of the American people.”

The survey also indicated that voters trust local election officials more than almost anyone else when it comes to determining who is the legitimate winner of the election. States attorneys general, governors, and secretaries of state are working hand-in-hand with law enforcement leaders to safeguard the 2020 election from illegal and premature election victory claims. Their message is clear: States are in charge of counting the votes, not the president, not the campaigns.

The Voter Protection Program advances strategies and recommendations to protect the election and make sure every vote is counted, with a specific focus on the unique tools available to state attorneys general, governors, secretaries of state, and law enforcement leaders. This week, the Voter Protection Program shared resources for Election Day and for Election Night and beyond. Last week, the VPP released a quick reference guide to understand what federal election-related behavior is acceptable — and what behavior should raise concerns.

If you would like additional information or to schedule a follow up conversation with state leaders and experts with the Voter Protection Project, please reach out to Mariam Ahmed, mariam.ahmed@berlinrosen.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.