With the 2020 presidential election fast approaching, concerns about the fairness and integrity of the voting process are at an all-time high. According to a recent survey, only 31% of college students believe that the upcoming election will be free and fair.

The survey, conducted by a leading research firm, found that a majority of college students have serious doubts about the fairness of the election due to a variety of factors. These factors include concerns about foreign interference, voter suppression, misinformation campaigns, and the overall state of democracy in the United States.

One of the biggest concerns among college students is the influence of foreign actors on the election. With reports of Russian interference in the 2016 election still fresh in people’s minds, many are worried that similar tactics will be employed in the 2020 election. The spread of misinformation and divisive content on social media platforms has only added to these concerns.

Voter suppression is another major issue that has college students worried. With restrictive voter ID laws, polling place closures, and other barriers to voting disproportionately affecting minority and marginalized communities, many students fear that their voices will not be heard in the upcoming election.

Misinformation campaigns and the spread of fake news are also contributing to the lack of trust in the electoral process. With the rise of social media as a primary source of news for many young people, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction, leading to confusion and skepticism about the legitimacy of the election.

Overall, the survey paints a troubling picture of the state of democracy in the United States. With only 31% of college students believing that the 2020 election will be free and fair, it is clear that there is a serious crisis of confidence in the electoral system.

In order to address these concerns and ensure a fair and transparent election, it is crucial that steps are taken to protect the integrity of the voting process. This includes safeguarding against foreign interference, combating voter suppression, and promoting media literacy to help students discern credible information from misinformation.

Ultimately, it is up to all Americans to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that every voice is heard in the upcoming election. Only by working together to protect the integrity of our electoral process can we build a stronger and more inclusive democracy for future generations.