Rumors of foreign election meddling may boost urge to vote in 40% of Americans

Some experts believe Russian election interference is driving a wedge in American society, but according to one recent study, the rumors are motivating voters more than ever to show up to the polling stations.

After innumerable warnings from intelligence and national security officials, 47 percent of Americans now believe Russia is actively seeking to influence the midterm elections, the Politico survey showed. The results are based on interviews with 2,543 registered voters from Oct. 25 to 30.

Around half of the respondents believe Republicans stand to gain from Russian interference, and 4 in 10 would be “much more likely” to vote if rumors about a foreign government interfering in the election turn out to be true.

“If reports emerged about foreign government interference in the midterms, 46 percent of Americans said they would be more likely to vote, while only 12 percent said they would be less likely, and 28 percent said it would not affect their decision,” reports Politico.

Rumors of Russian interference aren’t necessarily changing minds, but rather fueling a drive to get out and vote – a sign that at a good portion of the American population refuses to be swayed by fake news and / or political propaganda.

Some 70 percent of registered Democrats believe Russia will try to disrupt the midterms, while only 25 percent of Republicans believe the same. Asked if Russia would try to help Republicans, 70 percent of Democrats and 45 percent of independents said “yes.” Yet only 27 percent of Republicans agreed.

Finally, registered voters who listed “security” as their top concern were the least convinced that Moscow was interfering in the midterms, or that the Kremlin somehow stands to gain if the Republicans maintain their dominance in Congress.