Washington, D.C., November 8, 2024 – In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, Americans are demonstrating broad acceptance of the results, even as emotions remain mixed and opinions on upcoming policies vary sharply. A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey reveals that a significant majority of registered voters believe the election was legitimate and accurate, signaling a notable shift in public trust compared to the 2020 election.
Strong Acceptance of Election Results
According to the poll, 75% of registered voters say the 2024 election was fair and legitimate. Just 4% claim the outcome resulted from election rigging or illegal voting, while 21% are uncertain. By comparison, the 2020 election saw only 58% of voters viewing the outcome as legitimate, with 30% believing it was compromised. This dramatic shift largely stems from Republican voters. In 2020, only 26% of Republicans deemed the election legitimate, whereas in 2024, that number skyrocketed to 91%, marking a 65-point increase. Democratic voters, while in the minority this election, continue to express confidence, with 63% recognizing the legitimacy of the results, compared to 88% in 2020.
This data underscores a broader trend of renewed trust in the electoral process, particularly among Republican voters, highlighting a key change in political dynamics since the last election cycle.
Americans’ Emotional Reactions
While the majority accept the election results, Americans report a range of emotional responses. About 27% of adults feel worried about the outcome, while 15% feel hopeful, 12% relieved, 11% happy, and another 12% indifferent. Party affiliation strongly influences these feelings:
- Democrats: Over half (51%) report worry, with 18% feeling sad and 16% angry about the results.
- Republicans: Positive emotions dominate, with roughly 30% feeling happy, hopeful, or relieved.
These contrasting emotions reflect the deeply polarized political climate, yet the high acceptance rate suggests that, despite differences, Americans are largely respecting the democratic process.
Policy Expectations in the First 100 Days
Looking forward, Americans are closely watching the priorities of the incoming Trump administration. The poll indicates that 25% of respondents want immigration to be a key focus during the first 100 days. At the same time, 82% believe Trump is likely to order mass deportations of individuals living in the U.S. illegally.
Opinions on potential deportations are divided:
- 51% of Americans are not concerned about these actions.
- 49% express worry.
Furthermore, public opinion is split regarding the treatment of undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation hearings: 51% oppose arresting and detaining them, 33% support it, and 15% are unsure.
Party affiliation strongly influences these opinions:
- Democrats (80%) and independents (59%) largely oppose pre-deportation detention.
- Only 30% of Republicans share this opposition, highlighting partisan differences in immigration policy perspectives.
Broader Implications for American Politics
The findings reveal both continuity and change in the American political landscape. Trust in elections, particularly among Republicans, has risen sharply, suggesting that efforts to challenge the legitimacy of past elections may have a lasting impact on perceptions. Meanwhile, emotional responses and policy expectations underscore the persistent divisions in U.S. society.
Despite differences, the data demonstrates a shared commitment to the democratic process. Even those expressing worry, sadness, or anger largely accept the election outcome, reflecting a resilience in civic norms. This could set the stage for a more functional dialogue between parties, particularly on contentious issues like immigration policy.
Methodology of the Survey
The Ipsos poll, conducted November 6–7, 2024, utilized the KnowledgePanel® to survey 1,422 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. The study was conducted in English and weighted to reflect gender, age, race, ethnicity, census region, metropolitan status, education, household income, party affiliation, and 2024 presidential vote.
Key demographic categories included:
- Gender & Age: Male, Female; 18–29, 30–44, 45–59, 60+
- Race/Ethnicity: White Non-Hispanic, Black Non-Hispanic, Hispanic, Other, Multi-racial
- Education: Less than High School, High School, Some College, Bachelor’s, Master’s or higher
- Census Region: Northeast, Midwest, South, West
- Metropolitan Status: Metro, Non-Metro
- Household Income: Under $25k, $25k–$49,999, $50k–$74,999, $75k–$99,999, $100k–$149,999, $150k+
- Party ID: Democrat, Lean Democrat, Republican, Lean Republican, Independent/Something Else
- Vote Choice 2024: Harris, Trump, Other/Did not vote/Don’t Know
The margin of error for the full adult sample is ±3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The survey accounts for a design effect of 1.45. Percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number; totals may not always sum to 100%.
Historical Context
Comparing the 2024 results to 2020, the shift in Republican acceptance of election outcomes is striking. In 2020, only a quarter of Republican voters trusted the election results. By 2024, the number had jumped to over 90%, demonstrating a remarkable realignment of perceptions.
For Democrats, confidence remains strong despite losing the election, with nearly two-thirds still acknowledging the legitimacy of the process. These figures suggest that, while emotions may be polarized, the foundational trust in democratic procedures is improving overall.
Public Opinion and Future Administration Actions
Americans are closely monitoring the policy direction of the Trump administration, especially regarding immigration. Public opinion indicates cautious concern about mass deportations, but strong partisan divides remain. Democrats and independents overwhelmingly oppose pre-deportation detention, while a minority of Republicans share this concern.
These attitudes are likely to influence political debates and legislative priorities, particularly on immigration reform and border security. The nuanced opinions also suggest that Americans are capable of separating acceptance of election results from their feelings about policy decisions, demonstrating a mature approach to governance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do Americans feel about the 2024 election results?
Most Americans accept the results, with 75% of registered voters viewing the election as legitimate and accurate. However, emotions vary, with some feeling frustrated, worried, or disappointed.
Did partisan affiliation affect how people viewed the election?
Yes. Republican voters showed a dramatic increase in trust compared to 2020, with 91% considering the election legitimate. Democrats, while in the minority, still largely recognized the results as valid (63%).
What emotions are most common after the election?
About 27% of Americans reported feeling worried, 15% hopeful, 12% relieved, 11% happy, and 12% indifferent. Democrats generally felt more worry and sadness, while Republicans expressed more positive emotions.
What issues do Americans want the Trump administration to prioritize?
A quarter of Americans want immigration to be a priority during Trump’s first 100 days. Other policy areas, while not as emphasized in the poll, remain important for different voter groups.
How do Americans feel about potential deportations under the new administration?
Eighty-two percent believe Trump may order mass deportations. Among them, about half are concerned, while the other half are not, showing a divided response.
Do Americans support detaining undocumented immigrants before hearings?
Opinions are split: 51% oppose pre-deportation detention, 33% support it, and 15% are unsure. Party affiliation heavily influences these views.
How was this data collected?
The Ipsos poll was conducted November 6–7, 2024, using a representative sample of 1,422 U.S. adults. Data was weighted by demographics, party ID, and vote choice to reflect the national population accurately.
Conclusion
The 2024 U.S. presidential election demonstrates that Americans are largely committed to upholding democratic principles, even amid frustration, disappointment, and partisan divides. With 75% of registered voters accepting the results as legitimate, trust in the electoral process has strengthened, particularly among Republican voters. Emotional responses vary, reflecting the nation’s polarized political climate, yet the overwhelming acceptance of outcomes highlights a shared respect for democracy.