Voter Concerns About AI on the Rise
As artificial intelligence makes its way further into daily life and workplaces, voters appear to be shifting their focus. Instead of worrying about potential job losses, they’re starting to contemplate AI’s broader implications.
A recent poll reveals that 66% of registered voters express concern about artificial intelligence, which is an increase from 63% in December and 56% earlier this year when the question was first posed. This rising anxiety spans various demographics, particularly among women, individuals without a college degree, Democrats, and those identifying as liberal.
Interestingly, while there’s ample apprehension about AI’s impact overall, voters don’t seem particularly alarmed about job security. Most believe that, over the next five years, AI will result in more job losses (59%) than job creation (7%).
Despite this, a convincing 69% of respondents say they are not anxious about potential job reductions, a sentiment consistent with opinions from November.
This lack of concern might reflect a general attitude toward AI in the workplace. In fact, 70% of people feel that learning to use AI isn’t crucial for their careers, including 60% of those surveyed. However, around 30% see it as significant, a figure that climbs to 40% among workers, graduate degree holders, and individuals in households making over $100,000 annually. Notably, younger men under 45 exhibit a stronger inclination to prioritize AI learning (48%).
On the flip side, when it comes to tech adoption, 60% of voters express comfort with embracing new technologies, leaving 40% feeling uneasy. Younger voters, especially men and young Republicans, report the highest levels of comfort, at 81% and 82%, respectively.
Concerns About Autonomous Weapons Systems
As the conflict in Iran continues, a significant portion of voters—nearly two-thirds—are uneasy about the military’s utilization of autonomous weapon systems. Meanwhile, 40% report feeling comfortable with the idea.
The divide on this topic reflects political lines: 52% of Republicans favor the use of autonomous weapons, compared to only 27% of Democrats. Among MAGA Republicans, 58% are comfortable, while just 40% of their non-Republican counterparts express similar feelings.
Gender disparities also emerge, with 43% of men comfortable compared to just 31% of women. Despite these differences, a striking 93% of voters believe that human decision-making should ultimately govern military actions associated with potential casualties, a sentiment that spans party lines, with at least 90% of all groups in agreement.
Among voters with military experience, discomfort with autonomous weapons systems is prevalent, with 54% expressing unease and 90% advocating for human oversight in critical decisions.
Other Concerns on Voter Minds
While interest in AI issues is on the rise, it’s still not the primary concern for voters. They are, for instance, very worried about inflation (86%), healthcare (81%), gas prices (80%), political divisions (80%), unemployment (73%), and threats from both Islamic and non-Islamic terrorism (73% and 70%, respectively). Many are also anxious about their ability to pay bills (70%) and gun violence (69%).
Concerns about Iran acquiring nuclear capabilities align closely with fears about AI, with 66% expressing significant worry. Issues like anti-Semitism (63%) and ICE detention (62%) rank lower on their list of apprehensions.
This survey was carried out between March 20-23, 2026, involving 1,001 randomly selected registered voters. The results have a margin of error of ±3 percentage points, although variance increases when looking at subgroups.
