MISSOULA — Despite a contentious election season and unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud leading to a breach in US Capitol security on Wednesday, Missoula County officials say local voters are confident in the outcome of the election.
According to a survey conducted by the University of Montana, 89% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that they are confident Missoula County is free of voter fraud. Meanwhile, 80% also said they are confident that the Nov. 2020 election results are accurate.
The survey -- funded by the Missoula County Elections Office -- examined 698 registered voters’ perceptions of their voting experiences, and election practices, during the November 2020 election.
This marked Missoula County's first all mail-in election and 79% of respondents also said they are confident in Missoula County's vote by mail process. Additionally, 90% of Missoula County voters believe the Elections Office delivered the November 2020 election at a level on-par with, or better than, 2018.
Survey coordinator Dr. Sara Rinfret says the results show Missoula County voters respect the work our local elections administrators do, despite protests claiming voter fraud.
"There was a lot of challenges to our Democracy, but it also shows that the folks that are responsible, the gatekeepers of elections administration, like our elections office, are really at the forefront to safeguarding our democracy, and Missoulians see that, and really respect the work that they do on the front lines,” Dr. Rinfret said.
The University of Montana will release the rest of the survey findings in a public presentation on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. Click here for more information about taking part in the event.
