Survey: More than half of Republicans would be open to delaying 2020 election

A new poll has found that more than half of Republicans would support a postponement of the 2020 election for voter verification purposes if President Trump were to suggest such a thing.

The survey, conducted by two professors from June 5-20, involved 1,325 participants. For reporting purposes, the professors focus on the 650 who identified as conservative-leaning and their responses to two hypothetical questions about possibly delaying the next presidential election.

According to the Washington Post, where the findings were published, the first question asked, "If Donald Trump were to say that the 2020 presidential election should be postponed until the country can make sure that only eligible American citizens can vote, would you support or oppose postponing the election?"

52 percent indicated their support.

The second question was, "What if both Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress were to say that the 2020 presidential election should be postponed until the country can make sure that only eligible American citizens can vote? Would you support or oppose postponing the election?"

Slightly more, or 56 percent, said they would support this effort.

The research summary does point out, however, that "were Trump to seriously propose postponing the election, there would be a torrent of opposition, which would most likely include prominent Republicans."

Despite the note, a critical assessment by The Atlantic argues that the survey's initial questions, which were about who won the popular vote, votes by illegal immigrants, and voter fraud, were, "already shading [respondents'] impressions before they got to the central question."

The piece also points out that, regardless of political affiliation, "Respondents [of polls] consistently say things that are counterfactual or plainly nuts."

Nevertheless, should such a situation arise, the Constitution does allow congressional lawmakers to change the dates related to when the electoral college body is selected and when they cast their votes.