A <a href="https://elections.ucsd.edu/_files/surveys/Trust-in-Elections-Sept-2026.pdf" target="_blank">recent study</a> from UC San Diego finds that fewer than half of Americans (49%) expect "free and fair" 2026 midterm elections. Respondents cited concerns around redistricting, mail voting, and immigration enforcement fears as some of the reasons for election skepticism. Researchers behind the study join Midday Edition Wednesday to dig more into the survey's findings, the reasons behind growing election distrust, and how concerns around artificial intelligence are playing into it. Guests:<ul><li><a href="https://polisci.ucsd.edu/people/faculty/faculty-directory/currently-active-faculty/kousser-profile.html" target="_blank">Thad Kousser</a>, professor of political science, UC San Diego</li><li><a href="https://gps.ucsd.edu/faculty-directory/lauren-prather.html" target="_blank">Lauren Prather</a>, associate professor of political science, UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy; co-director, Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections</li></ul>

Hispanic Heritage identity; Bilingual singer-songwriter; SD Italian Film Festival

Midday Edition uplifts voices in San Diego with fearless conversations about intriguing issues. Host, Jade Hindmon, cuts through the noise with questions that give listeners a deeper understanding of themselves, people and the community they live in. Guests share diverse perspectives from their expertise and lived experience. In a city and world that's rapidly changing, Jade’s interviews inspire, inform and make you think. New episodes drop Monday - Thursday afternoons.