Washington D.C., Nov 05 (V7N) — As the United States gears up for another presidential election, concerns about potential violence and political unrest have resurfaced. Nearly four years after the January 6 Capitol Hill attack, where five people, including a police officer, lost their lives, experts warn that history could repeat itself if election results are contested once again.

The Capitol Hill incident, now widely regarded as a dark chapter in U.S. democratic history, saw supporters of former President Donald Trump storm the Capitol in an attempt to overturn his election defeat. Despite time passing since this event, polls reveal lingering public anxiety that similar unrest could follow the upcoming election.

A recent survey by YouGov found that more than a quarter of Americans believe civil unrest could erupt if election results are disputed. Notably, 12% of respondents feared that armed violence could occur if Trump were to lose his second presidential bid. A separate survey by the *Washington Post* and the Scar School of Policy and Government indicates that swing states might be especially vulnerable to violence, with concerns mounting over how Trump’s base may react.

Ohio University political science professor Paul Beck commented on the situation, suggesting that Trump is unlikely to accept defeat if he loses, as was the case in 2020. “He’s no longer president, so his power is limited compared to four years ago,” Beck said. “But his influence over his supporters remains strong, and he could still encourage resistance, especially in areas with early voting disputes.”

As the election nears, Trump has already begun to express skepticism regarding the early voting process in some states, a tactic reminiscent of his approach in the 2020 election. He has claimed, without substantiated evidence, that Democrats may attempt to manipulate the vote count through voter ID requirements and prolonged ballot tallying, adding that he intends to “straighten out” what he calls a “crooked path” in the election process.

Trump’s statements and ongoing legal battles underscore the challenges the nation faces in preserving election integrity. Some political analysts fear that Trump may use the courts to contest the results if defeated, potentially leading to prolonged uncertainty and unrest. The shadow of January 6 looms large, with both parties cautious of any actions that could ignite further division.

The upcoming election serves as a critical test for American democracy, as political polarization remains stark. Election officials and security experts have urged for peaceful acceptance of the results, but concerns persist. The nation now waits, with the hope that lessons from January 6 have fortified democratic institutions against potential threats, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in 2024.

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