Our model explains public reactions to politicized electoral reforms, focusing on rival partisan elites' signals.

In states adopting voter identification laws, confidence in elections was found polarized by party alignment. Democrats in strict-ID states showed declining confidence; Republicans expressed increased confidence.

This polarization indicates that strict photo ID requirements are failing to foster broad-based trust and may be eroding confidence among some voters.

🔍 Data & Methods: Applied survey data from 2014, analyzing partisan responses across US states.

📊 Key Finding: The effect of voter ID laws on election confidence is not uniform but strongly tied to party identification.

💡 Why It Matters: These reforms may exacerbate political divides rather than enhance electoral legitimacy.