Russian Interference in 2018 Elections, Feb 2018

Marist National Poll

An increased proportion of Americans now believe Russia will interfere in November’s midterm elections.

Although Americans divide about the likelihood of Russian meddling in this year’s electoral process, the proportion of residents who think it is either likely or very likely Russia will interfere has increased from 41% earlier this month to 48% now. 44%, down from a majority (53%) previously, believe it is either not very likely or not likely at all Russia will have a hand in this year’s midterms.

“Although Americans are not ready to sound the alarm about Russian meddling in our midterm elections, more Americans are giving credence to the possibility,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.

Regardless of party identification, there has been an increase in the proportion of Americans who say Russia will likely interfere in the 2018 elections. 70% of Democrats, up from 60% a few weeks ago, 51% of independents, an increase from 40%, and even 32% of Republicans, up from 17%, have this view.

Also noteworthy, 33% of residents who say they supported President Donald Trump in the presidential election, up from 15%, assert Russia will meddle in the 2018 electoral process. 45% of white residents without a college degree, up from 32% previously, say the same.

Complete February 27, 2018 Marist Poll Release of the United States
Complete February 27, 2018 Marist Poll of the United States (Tables of Adults and Registered Voters)
Marist Poll Methodology
Nature of the Sample