Fewer than a third of Americans trust public polling
Core finding
29.0% of U.S. adults trust public polling, combining 26.0% who somewhat trust it and 3.0% who strongly trust it. Distrust totals 33.2% (22.2% somewhat plus 11.0% strongly), and another 33.2% are neutral.
Skepticism about polls does not extend to research participation: 81.4% say they would be likely to help researchers collect or analyze data (43.8% very likely plus 37.6% somewhat likely).
Trust sits below a third
29.0% of adults trust public polling (26.0% somewhat plus 3.0% strongly), while 33.2% distrust it (22.2% somewhat plus 11.0% strongly). Another 33.2% are neutral and 4.6% have no opinion.
Strong feelings run one way: 11.0% strongly distrust polls, against 3.0% who strongly trust them.
Stacked breakdown
29.0% of adults trust public polling, 33.2% distrust it and 33.2% are neutral.
n = 1,000 · May 21–26, 2026 · MoE ±3.1%
Willingness to help research runs far higher
81.4% of adults say they would be likely to participate in helping researchers collect or analyze data (43.8% very likely plus 37.6% somewhat). Just 4.5% say they would be unlikely to (2.5% very plus 2.0% somewhat), and 14.0% are unsure.
Respondents are members of a survey panel, a group self-selected for research participation, so stated willingness likely runs higher than in the general public.
Topline
81.4% say they would be likely to help researchers collect or analyze data; just 4.5% say they would be unlikely to.
n = 1,000 · May 21–26, 2026 · MoE ±3.1%
The word itself matters
55.2% of adults think of surveys and polls as the same thing. Among those who see a difference, surveys win easily: 27.8% view surveys more positively, versus 3.9% who feel that way about polls.
Another 13.2% are not sure how the two compare.
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | US adults age 18+ |
| Field dates | May 21–26, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.1% |
| Module | Verasight AAPOR Omnibus Survey #2026-052 |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/aapor-2026
What is your level of trust in public polling?
- reports.verasight.io/r/aapor-2026
Which of the following best describes your opinion?
- reports.verasight.io/r/aapor-2026
How likely would you be to participate in helping researchers collect or analyze data?
Cite this topic
Verasight AAPOR Omnibus Survey #2026-052, fielded May 21-26, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.1%.