This Is What Americans Say They Want Their Elections to Look Like

For the past several years, Republicans and Democrats alike have offered their own very different ideas for making the voting process better for Americans.

Now, a new poll conducted by Gallup suggests perhaps they’re both on the right track.

During the August 15-16 poll, voters were asked three specific questions related to election reform. Those questions, and their results, were:

In general, do you favor or oppose early voting, which gives all voters the chance to cast their ballot prior to Election Day?

Favor: 80%

• Republicans: 74%
• Independents: 80%
• Democrats: 85%

Oppose: 18%

This is an issue most often brought up by Democrats, who believe that early voting provides better access for minority and low-income voters. Republicans, on the other hand, argue it violates Article II Section I of the Constitution, which states that Congress shall determine the date of the election, and that it will be uniform throughout the United States.

In general, do you favor or oppose requiring all voters to provide photo identification at their voting place in order to vote?

Favor: 80%

• Republicans: 95%
• Independents: 83%
• Democrats: 63%

Oppose: 19%

This is an issue that is most often brought up by Republicans, who believe it will curtail voter fraud. Democrats, on the other hand, say such laws disenfranchise minority and low-income voters—and, so far, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed.

In general, do you favor or oppose automatic voter registration, whereby citizens are automatically registered to vote?

Favor: 63%

• Republicans: 51%
• Independents: 50%
• Democrats: 80%

Oppose: 34%

This is another issue primary brought up by Democrats, who argue it would be a better alternative to voter identification laws. Republicans argue this would only make it easier, not harder, to commit voter fraud.

“While providing early voting opportunities and requiring voters to show photo identification at polling stations are popular among a majority of Americans, both are contentiously debated by party leaders and are being contested in state courts,” the poll’s narrative states. “Most recently, a federal judge in Ohio ruled against limiting early voting, saying the move would discriminate against black voters. There are electorally strategic reasons as to why each major political party has a stake in the two contested policies.

“Majorities of Democrats and Republicans support early voting, but the option finds more favor among Democrats than Republicans. Early voting typically benefits Democratic candidates, who have performed well electorally among early voters in many states that allow the option. Blacks and lower-income Americans—key Democratic support blocs—disproportionately opt to vote early.”