A new national poll from The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights finds that voters are increasingly concerned about threats to their rights, democracy, and the 2026 elections. The 2026 Civil Rights Monitor found that 82% of voters are concerned that rights and freedoms are being taken away or rolled back, the highest level recorded in the five-year history of the poll.
The poll, conducted by Brilliant Corners Research, surveyed 1,000 likely voters by phone between August 23 and September 6. It found that concerns about democracy are also at a series high, with 76% of voters saying they believe democracy is under a major threat. At the same time, voters report high motivation to participate in the upcoming midterm elections, with 84% saying they plan to definitely vote in November.
Protecting the freedom to vote was rated as the top civil rights priority, receiving the highest importance rating among white, Black, Hispanic, and Asian American voters as well as among Democrats and Republicans. Overall, 14% of voters identified voting rights as their top issue, tying it with border security and ranking ahead of abortion rights, which 10% selected.
The findings come as voters express potential concerns surrounding potential interference with the midterm elections. Seventy seven percent said they are concerned that political leaders could pressure election officials to change election outcomes, while 65% are concerned the federal government could attempt to stop elections by declaring a state of emergency.
Voters also expressed concerns relating to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In fact, 62% are concerned that ICE could appear at polling places to intimidate or interfere with voters. Opposition to ICE is particularly strong when voters are asked about the budget increase from $10 billion to $85 billion by cutting programs such as Medicare and SNAP. In fact, 71% oppose using those programs to fund the increase, including 61% who strongly oppose it.
Black voters reported particularly high levels of concern with 83% said they are very concerned about their rights being taken away. Black voters were also the group most likely to say race relations are getting worse, and 81% said their heritage, traditions, and cultural identity are under attack in the United States.
Despite widespread concerns about the state of race relations, the poll found broad agreement on the value of a diverse society. Ninety-two percent of voters said that diversity makes the country stronger, including most Republican voters.
As the 2026 midterms approach, the poll indicates that protecting voting rights remains a priority for voters across racial and partisan lines. Students have an important role to play in making sure those rights are protected. Make sure you are registered to vote at your current address and have a voting plan! Find more information at vote411.org/feminist.
