Americans’ Views on Civil Liberties Highlight Concerns About Threats

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A recent AP-NORC poll indicates that many Americans feel civil liberties such as voting rights are endangered. Despite this, a significant number still consider the rights outlined in the nation’s founding documents essential to American identity.

Core Rights and Their Importance

The survey reveals that a majority of Americans across various demographics view the right to vote, free speech, and freedom of religion as crucial to the nation’s ethos. However, opinions are more divided over the right to bear arms. Less than one-third believe these rights are safe from threats.

The survey, conducted from April 16-20, was completed before a Supreme Court decision that impacted the Voting Rights Act. This highlights ongoing concerns about the security of personal freedoms amid national celebrations of the country’s history.

Louise Rochon, an 85-year-old from Connecticut, expressed concern over the perceived threats to longstanding rights, indicating a shift in the nation’s approach to freedoms.

Perception of Threats

Approximately 9 in 10 Americans consider the right to vote vital to U.S. identity. A similar proportion feel free speech is equally important. About 8 in 10 believe freedom of religion is foundational, whereas about 6 in 10 value the right to bear arms in the same way.

Yet, many see these rights as threatened. Two-thirds of Americans think voting rights are under threat, and around one-third perceive a major threat. Only one-third believe voting rights are secure. Nearly half see freedom of speech as significantly threatened, with gun rights and religious freedoms also seen at risk by a significant portion.

Tracy Gonzales, from San Antonio, Texas, noted declining religious observance and civil liberties amid political and economic debates.

Black Americans’ Perspective

The poll also highlights the nuanced views of Black Americans, reflecting historical context. About three-quarters of Black Americans deem the right to vote as highly important compared to nine in ten white Americans. However, 4 in 10 Black Americans see voting rights as facing a major threat.

Antonio Williams, a Black school administrator in Dallas, emphasized the importance of voting rights to feeling fully integrated into American society, citing recent threats to these rights.

Younger and Independent Views

Independents and younger individuals are less inclined than the general population to see voting and free speech as central to American identity. Julian Goodwin-Ferris, a 28-year-old dancer from New Jersey, believes younger generations feel their voices are ignored amid evolving social and political landscapes.

Partisan Differences

Partisan lines further influence views on threats to rights. Democrats tend to perceive a greater threat to free speech, whereas Republicans are more concerned about the right to bear arms. Roughly 6 in 10 Democrats, compared to 4 in 10 independents and one-third of Republicans, see free speech as heavily threatened.

While most Americans value the right to bear arms, 8 in 10 Republicans hold this view, compared to 4 in 10 Democrats. Around 4 in 10 Republicans see this right as endangered, an uptick since October 2025.

Nuri Simmons, a Democrat from New York, comments on how perceived threats to various rights intersect, with voting rights being a primary concern among others.