Nearly 9 in 10 Californians Say Democracy Is Under Attack, Reject GOP Voter Fraud Myths

California voters are sounding the alarm loud and clear: our democracy is under assault. According to a new multilingual poll of nearly 6,000 registered voters conducted by the University of California Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies, a whopping 89% of Californians believe American democracy is either under attack or being tested. This consensus spans party lines, with 46% of Republicans acknowledging democracy is under attack and another 33% saying it is being tested.

Eric Schickler, co-director of the IGS, called these numbers “pretty stunning,” highlighting that fears about threats to democracy are widespread, not confined to one political camp. The poll also found remarkable agreement across racial groups, with 74% of white voters, 63% of Latinos, 64% of Asian and Pacific Islander voters, and 70% of Black voters sharing the same concern.

While President Trump and his allies have relentlessly pushed the narrative of rampant voter fraud, only about 20% of Californians see fraud as a major threat to democracy. Even among Republicans, the majority do not buy into these claims. Matt Barreto of UCLA’s Voting Rights Project noted that while some Republicans focus on voter fraud, it remains a minority position.

This disconnect is especially relevant considering recent GOP efforts like Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s controversial seizure of over 600,000 ballots amid unsubstantiated fraud allegations. The California Attorney General has sued to block this action, with the case headed to the State Supreme Court.

The poll also sheds light on voter ID initiatives pushed by Republicans and Trump allies, including a measure on the November ballot requiring government-issued ID at the polls. When voters are presented with arguments that frame these efforts as either protecting election integrity or suppressing votes, majority opposition emerges. Researchers estimate that up to 1 million registered voters in California—mostly low-income voters of color—lack the necessary ID and would be disenfranchised if the measure passes.

Despite these challenges, Californians broadly support proactive state measures to safeguard democracy. A majority, including 58% of Republicans, back expanding voter access and protecting elections. Legislative efforts such as the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 aim to combat voter suppression and improve ballot access for limited English proficient voters. Support for a statewide Democracy Fund to enhance election offices and language services also enjoys overwhelming backing.

The timing of this poll is critical as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear Louisiana v. Callais, a case that could gut the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act. An overwhelming 91% of Californians view the VRA as a “good idea,” and 56% strongly support California enacting its own version should the federal protections be weakened.

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Californians are making it clear: democracy matters, and they want their votes counted. The poll’s findings will play a key role in upcoming elections, including the June gubernatorial primary, underscoring that defending democracy and voting rights remains a top priority for voters across the state.