Majority of Michigan voters confident in state's elections

A new poll has found that Michigan voters remained confident in the state's election system through the 2024 election.

The poll was conducted by pollster Richard Czuba, founder of Glengariff Group, from June 1-6. It found that nearly 76% of Michigan voters say the November 2024 election was fair and accurate.

In October 2024, just before the elections, 77% said they expected the general election to be fair, showing continuity of voter trust through the election.

“As with any election, people will have strong feelings about the outcome and the winners. One thing our poll clearly shows is that despite those feelings, Michigan voters are confident in our election system, especially the work of our local and county-level officials and the many hardworking volunteers who provide support at precincts in communities across Michigan,” said former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard, a Democrat.

Blanchard joined a panel organized by Democracy Defense Project, a bipartisan group looking to rebuild voter confidence in America’s elections.

The panel met recently to discuss the results of the poll, which also found that nearly 80% of voters are confident in the fairness and accuracy of the upcoming 2026 elections. That voter confidence was high among Republicans, Democrats and independents alike.

“What’s striking about our new survey is that for the first time since polling of this type has been done, majorities of voters from all political backgrounds, whether Republicans, Democrats or independents, say they are satisfied with the election laws that Michigan already has,” said former Michigan Lt. Governor John Cherry, a Democrat.

In other notable findings from the poll, which surveyed 800 registered voters in Michigan and has a margin of error of 3.5%, nearly 60% said they are at least somewhat concerned about non-citizens voting in elections, with 35.8% said they are very concerned.

That said, in open-ended questions asking voters what changes they would like to see in Michigan elections, only 8% said voters should have to show proof of citizenship to vote.

The poll also found that more than 82% say voters (as opposed to legislators) should have the final say in setting Michigan’s election laws, compared with 11.2% who say legislators should.

“By huge majorities and regardless of political leanings, voters are telling policymakers that they want to be in the drivers’ seat of elections rules and regulations, not politicians, and that’s a proof point legislators should note,” said former U.S. Representative Mike Bishop, a Republican. “Voters also have a real desire to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in our elections, and we encourage policymakers to explore solutions that keep our elections secure without putting up barriers that may prevent any eligible voter from exercising their right to vote.”

The panelists, all board members at the Democracy Defense Project, highlighted the need for more education in the state on the election security measures already in place.

They also pointed out that the poll found that voters had the most confidence (88%) in the results of local elections, showing a trust in local systems and the people running them.

“Michigan voters are overwhelmingly satisfied with our elections, and we can build on that confidence by continuing to educate the public about the measures already in place to ensure our elections are safe and secure,” said former Michigan Governor John Engler, a Republican.