Poll: More Than Anything Else, Americans Want Election Reform

Published: 02 Feb, 2023
1 min read

A new poll from The McCourtney Institute for Democracy shows that what Americans want most right now is legislative and systemic reform to a political system that continues to fail them.

The institute’s latest Mood of the Nation poll found that 28% of respondents said the biggest issue on their legislative wish list is political and electoral reform, including proportional representation and term limits.

““I think it says a lot that term limits and similar reforms are the first things that come to mind for so many people,” said poll director Eric Plutzer, Ph.D.

“Many Americans are prioritizing fixing the system over any particular policy that might contribute to security, freedom, equality or prosperity. That’s a symptom of deep frustration with government and how it has been functioning—or not—lately.”

It’s a blistering indictment of the current system and a promising sign to nonpartisan election reformers that momentum will continue in their favor.

The poll results show that of the people who said political and election reform, overhauling the political system was the most commonly desired change, followed by terms limits and election finance.

Political and election reform was one of 8 issues listed in the results. Respondents could have also offered an “Other” or said they didn’t know. Read more about the poll results here.

You Might Also Like

Independent Voter Project Brings Election Reform Conversation to "Beyond the Campaign"
Independent Voter Project Brings Election Reform Conversation to "Beyond the Campaign"
The Independent Voter Project sat down this week with Michelle Glogovac on her podcast Beyond the Campaign, a show that has built a following by doing something most political media doesn't: skipping the talking points and focusing on the people and ideas behind public life....
23 Apr, 2026
-
1 min read
IVP California Governor Poll Sparks Reddit Debate on Ranked Choice Voting
IVP California Governor Poll Sparks Reddit Debate on Ranked Choice Voting
The Independent Voter Project (IVP) released a new poll this week that shows a seismic shift in the California governor’s race. But on Reddit, it also hit a nerve for many voters calling for ranked choice elections....
23 Apr, 2026
-
6 min read
Virginia Expands Ranked Choice Voting After Local Success Stories
Virginia Expands Ranked Choice Voting After Local Success Stories
The new law makes Virginia’s local ranked choice voting program permanent and broadens it beyond city councils and county boards of supervisors to cover any local governing body, including towns. ...
23 Apr, 2026
-
2 min read
Can Buffalo Succeed Where NYC Failed on Election Reform?
Can Buffalo Succeed Where NYC Failed on Election Reform?
The Buffalo Charter Revision Commission voted 7-2 Monday to pass a resolution that ensures it will explore open primaries, ranked choice voting (RCV), and expanded ballot access. It is not a guarantee on any reform, but it is a step closer to change....
14 Apr, 2026
-
6 min read
Why Trump Really Hates Alaska's Ranked Choice Voting
Why Trump Really Hates Alaska's Ranked Choice Voting
President Trump called Alaska's ranked choice voting system "disastrous" and "very fraudulent" on Friday. He gave his "complete and total support" to the repeal effort heading to Alaska's 2026 ballot....
13 Apr, 2026
-
6 min read
Why Can't Maine Use Ranked Choice Voting in Certain Elections? Its Supreme Court Just Answered – Again
Why Can't Maine Use Ranked Choice Voting in Certain Elections? Its Supreme Court Just Answered – Again
In Maine, ranked choice voting is used in primary elections, US House and Senate general elections – even in presidential elections. However, the state Supreme Court issued an opinion this week that it can’t be used to decide races for governor and the state legislature....
09 Apr, 2026
-
4 min read