Seventy-four percent (74%) of voters believe it should be against the law to fire someone because of their political beliefs. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 17% disagree and 8% are not sure.
Seventy-seven percent (77%) of Republicans believe it should be illegal to fire someone because of their political beliefs. So do 73% of Independent voters and 72% of Independents.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Question:
Should it be against the law to fire someone because of their political beliefs?
74% Yes
17% No
8% Not sure
Methodology
The survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on October 21-23, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
A proposal has been made that would require banks to notify the IRS of every transaction of $600 or more made by every American. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 18% of voters favor this plan while 73% are opposed.
Those totals include 6% who Strongly Favor the plan and 59% who are Strongly Opposed.
This effort to give IRS more access to personal financial information is opposed by 86% of Republicans, 71% of Independents, and 62% of Democrats.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on September 24-25, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
If the federal government raises taxes on large corporations, 76% of voters think it is likely that consumers will end up paying higher prices. A Scott Rasmussen national survey also found that 73% believe such tax hikes will cause some companies to take jobs overseas.
Eighty-five percent (85%) of Republicans believe higher corporate taxes will lead to higher costs. S0 do 76% of Democrats and 68% of Independents.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on September 22, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
If someone is physically able to work, 78% of voters believe they should be required to seek a job in order to receive financial support from the government. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 13% disagree and 9% are not sure.
A solid majority of every measured demographic group supports the work requirement. That includes 86% of Republicans, 76% of Independents, and 73% of Democrats.
Overall, 54% Strongly Favor work requirements and 4% are Strongly Opposed.
Earlier this year, the Biden Administration removed work requirements for the Child Care Tax Credit. Sixty-six percent (66%) of voters favor restoring the work requirement for all who are physically able to work. Twenty-four percent (24%) are opposed.
Restoring the work requirement is favored by a majority of every measured demographic group. That includes 75% of Republicans, 65% of Democrats, and 57% of Independents.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
* If someone is physically able to work, do you favor or oppose requiring that they seek a job in order to receive financial support from the government?
54% Strongly favor
24% Somewhat favor
9% Somewhat oppose
4% Strongly oppose
9% Not sure
* Until this year, parents had to have income from a job to qualify for the Child Tax Credit. The Biden administration did away with the work requirement. Do you favor or oppose restoring the work requirement for all who are physically able to work?
44% Strongly favor
22% Somewhat favor
14% Somewhat oppose
10% Strongly oppose
10% Not sure
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from September 16-18, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 263 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
When the federal government tries to manage the economy, 68% of voters believe it generally does more harm than good. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 20% disagree and 12% are not sure.
Those totals include 37% who Strongly Agree and 6% who Strongly Disagree.
That belief is shared by 82% of Republicans, 65% of Independents, and 60% of Democrats.
Seventy-one percent (71%) of Hispanic voters believe government efforts to manage the economy generally do more harm than good. So do 69% of White voters and 62% of Black voters.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from September 10-11, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 239 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
Forty-eight percent (48%) of voters believe government regulations on small businesses are too strict. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 11% believe they are not strict enough while 24% believe the level of regulation is about right.
However, perceptions are much different when it comes to regulating big businesses. Forty percent (40%) say regulation of big businesses is not strict enough. Just 23% think they are too strict while 20% say about right.
There is a substantial gender gap on this topic. By a 46% to 15% margin, women believe that regulations on big businesses are not strict enough. Men are evenly divided between too strict and not strict enough.
Fifty-four percent (54%) of men believe the regulations on small businesses are too strict. Forty-two percent (42%) of women agree.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from September 10-11, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 239 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
Forty-seven percent (47%) of voters favor a proposal allowing abortions up to the moment a heartbeat is detected in the fetus. After that, abortions would not be allowed except in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 41% are opposed and 13% are not sure.
The totals include 23% who Strongly Favor such a proposal and 27% who are Strongly Opposed. Among those most motivated to vote in the 2022 Midterm Elections, support for the measure is somewhat stronger than among the general population.
The survey also found that 46% of voters mistakenly believe that the abortion laws in the United States are more restrictive than in most European nations. Just 17% believe they are less restrictive.
In Canada, some provinces allow elective abortions only during the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy while others extend the limit to 24 weeks. However, abortions after 20 weeks are not always readily available for Canadians, so women are often referred to a clinic in the United States,
Data released earlier showed that 36% of voters believe it is too easy to get an abortion in America while 26% think it is too hard.
Given a choice, 56% of voters would support a candidate who said abortion should be allowed only during the first three months of a pregnancy rather than at any point during the pregnancy. Just 23% hold the opposite view and 21% are not sure.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on September 8, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
Forty-two percent (42%) of voters believe human behavior can stop climate change. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 33% of voters disagree and 25% are not sure.
Sixty-six percent (66%) of Democrats believe climate change can be stopped by human behavior. Just 36% of Independents and 23% of Republicans agree.
Most voters under 45 believe climate change can be stopped by changing human behavior. Older voters are less certain.
The survey also found that 80% of voters recognize that “The earth’s climate has been changing throughout history. There are historical cycles of cooling and warming.” This knowledge, however, has not prevented concerns that this time something might be different.
Still, concerns about climate change has not developed into support for major Green New Deal initiatives. One proposal included in the Democrats’ “reconciliation” plan would lead to creation of a federal Climate Climate Corps. Among other things, that proposal would hire at least 750,000 environmental activists to visit people’s homes and conduct energy audits. Most voters oppose that plan.
A recent Vox article suggested “It’s time to rethink air conditioning.” Presenting air conditioning as a major environmental threat, the article suggested phasing out private air conditioning in homes and provide community cooling spaces as well. Just 22% of voters even somewhat favor such an approach.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from September 2-5, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 151 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
A recent Vox article suggested “It’s time to rethink air conditioning.” Presenting air conditioning as a major environmental threat, it suggested phasing out private air conditioning in homes and provide community cooling spaces as well.
Twenty-two percent (22%) of voters at least somewhat favor such an approach. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 68% are opposed.
The totals include 10% who Strongly Favor the idea and 56% who are Strongly Opposed.
Among voters who prefer policies like those of Senator Bernie Sanders, 44% favor the elimination of private air conditioning.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from September 2-5, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 151 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
One Green New Deal related proposal in the Democrats’ proposed reconciliation spending bill is a plan for the federal government to hire 750,000 workers who would visit people’s homes to conduct an energy audit. When initially asked about that plan, a Scott Rasmussen national survey found 37% of voters at least somewhat favor the idea and 48% are at least somewhat opposed,
However, the plan does not call for the federal government to directly employ workers who would conduct the energy audits, Instead, the legislative proposal would provide funding for groups of environmental activists to hire people. Just 31% favor that idea and 52% are opposed.
Those totals include 13% who Strongly Favor the idea and 37% who are Strongly Opposed. Opposition to the plan is somewhat stronger among those most motivated to vote in the midterm elections.
Forty-nine percent (49%) of urban voters favor the hiring plan for energy audits. Just 27% of suburban voters share that view along with only 22% of rural voters.
In both cases, a majority of Democrats supported the door-to-door outreach. But Republicans and Independents opposed it. When it comes to the Climate Conservation Corps plan for paying 750,000 people to conduct home energy audits, 58% of Democrats favor the idea. Just 19% of Independents and 14% of Republicans agree.
Looked at from the opposite perspective, 78% of Republicans oppose the plan. So do 53% of Independents. Among Democrats, 26% are opposed.
These numbers provide yet another example of similarities between the Biden Administration today and the Carter Administration of the 1970s. It appears as if Democrats see these 750,000 workers as helping ordinary Americans. Republicans and Independent voters connect more with President Reagan’s view: “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.”
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from September 2-5, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 151 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
Thirty-four percent (34%) of voters agree that “The only way to save the planet is for the government to impose strict mandates and regulations on the way people live and the amount of energy they use.” A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 57% disagree and 10% are not sure.
The totals include 12% who Strongly Agree that strict government rules are needed to save the planet and 41% who Strongly Disagree.
Sixty-two percent (62%) of Democrats agree on the need for strict mandates and government regulations. However, 78% of Republicans and 62% of Independent voters take the opposite view.
Most voters with a postgraduate degree (55%) agree that, to save the planet, there is a need for strict government rules on lifestyles and energy use. Only 38% of those with a high level of formal education think the planet can be saved without heavy regulation.
However, the numbers are dramatically reversed among voters without a postgraduate degree. Just 30% of such voters believe government mandates on lifestyles and energy use are needed to save the planet. Sixty-one percent (61%) reject that view.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from September 2-5, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 151 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
Sixty-two percent (62%) of Florida’s Registered Voters think it’s time to move forward by finding a way to adapt to the ongoing nature of the pandemic. A Scott Rasmussen survey found that 25% believe it would be better to lockdown again until the pandemic is completely behind us.
Sixty-six percent (66%) of White voters in the state believe it’s time to move forward. So do 59% of Hispanic voters and 51% of Black voters.
The state’s most liberal voters are evenly divided on the question. Very conservative voters, on the other hand, say it’s time to move forward by a 79% to 14% margin.
Republicans overwhelmingly say it’s time to move forward. Democrats are more evenly divided. Still, by a 49% to 37% margin, a plurality of Democrats in Florida say it’s time to adapt rather than lockdown.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,000 Registered Voters in Florida was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from August 21-28, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 149 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the state’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is +/- 3.1 percentage points.
Forty-three percent (43%) of voters believe the federal government is more likely to oppress Americans rather than fight for the oppressed. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 30% take the opposite view and 26% are not sure.
By a 55% to 22% margin, Republicans believe the federal government is more likely to use its power in ways that oppress Americans. By a 44% to 12% margin, Independent voters agree.
Democrats, however, see things differently. By a 45% to 32% margin, those in President Biden’s party think the federal government is more likely to fight for oppressed Americans.
Urban voters tend to see the federal government fighting for the oppressed. Suburban and rural voters think it is more likely to oppress Americans.
A March survey found that 59% of voters believe the federal government is a special interest group that looks out primarily for its own interests. Just 17% disagree and 23% are not sure.
A majority of every measured demographic group sees the federal government as a special interest group. That includes 68% of Republicans, 61% of Independent voters, and 51% of Democrats.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen from August 10-11, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
Fifty percent (50%) of voters believe private sector innovation and new technology is more likely to reduce the impact of climate change than strict government regulation of energy use. A Scott Rasmussen survey found that 27% hold the opposite view and 24% are not sure.
Republicans strongly believe that the private sector will provide the needed solutions. Democrats are evenly divided.
In every measured demographic group, more voters place their faith in innovation and technology rather than government regulations. However, those who prefer policies like those of Senator Bernie Sanders are nearly evenly divided.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen from August 4-9, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
Among voters who have heard of the Green New Deal, 63% think it will lead to higher electricity and gasoline prices. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that just 17% think higher costs are unlikely and 19% are not sure.
Those totals include 37% who say higher energy costs are Very Likely and 5% who say Not at All Likely.
Also, 53% believe the Green New Deal will end American energy independence and force our nation to rely upon other countries to supply our energy needs. Twenty-nine percent (29%) consider that unlikely and 17% are not sure.
Those totals include 29% who say the loss of energy independence is Very Likely and 12% who say Not at All Likely.
Not surprisingly, Republicans are more skeptical of the Green New Deal’s impact than Democrats. Still, though, a majority of Democrats think the Green New Deal will lead to higher energy prices. And, those in President Biden’s party are evenly divided as to whether or not those policies will end America’s energy independence.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen from August 4-9, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
Just 29% of voters believe large social media companies like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter provide a neutral platform for everyone to use. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 51% believe they give a preference to content they approve of and penalize content expressing different views. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure.
When viewing content on social media, 51% have been notified by their social media platform that the content provides information that may not be reliable. Thirty-three percent (33%) have not.
Nearly half of all voters (46%) say they personally know someone who has been temporarily or permanently banned from a social media platform. A nearly identical number–45%– do not.
Republicans, by a 66% to 19% margin, believe the social media companies give preference to content they like while Democrats are evenly divided on the question. Among Independent voters, just 25% believe social media companies provide a neutral platform while 48% take the opposite view.
Those with a postgraduate degree are evenly divided on the question. Most other voters believe the social media platforms penalize content expressing different views.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from July 27-28, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 232 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
Thirty-six percent (36%) of voters believe it is too easy to get an abortion in America these days. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 26% take the opposite view and believe it is too hard. Twenty-one percent (21%) say the balance is about right and 18% are not sure.
However, among those who say the issue of an abortion is Very Important to their voting decision the numbers look much different. By a 53% to 22% margin, these voters believe it is too easy to get an abortion.
Republicans, by a 59% to 11% margin, believe it is too easy to get an abortion. Democrats, by a 39% to 19% margin, take the opposite view. Independent voters are evenly divided.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The online survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen July 12-13, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
Sixty-eight percent (68%) of voters believe it is more important to ensure that social media companies operate fairly rather than protecting the companies from government interference. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 19% disagree and believe protecting social media companies from government interference is the higher priority.
Those who consider social media Very Important in their lives are evenly divided: 48% say ensuring fairness is most important while 44% want to protect the companies from government interference. Other voters overwhelmingly believe it is more important to ensure that social media companies operate fairly for every citizen.
Those with a post-graduate degree are also more likely than other voters to place a premium on protecting the social media companies from government interference.
Seventy-two percent (72%) of White voters believe fairness is more important. That view is shared by 56% of Black voters and 54% of Hispanic voters.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The online survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen on June 24-27, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
If government experts and intellectuals recommended a policy that voters strongly opposed, 61% say the government should follow the policy preferred by the American people. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 19% believe the government follow the policy recommended by experts and intellectuals.
A majority or plurality of every measured demographic group thinks the policies preferred by the people should be pursued. However, the numbers are fairly close among those with post-graduate degrees. Just 43% of these voters think the government should follow the public; 33% say the expert recommendations should be followed. Of course, those with post-graduate degrees are more likely to qualify as government experts.
One reason for the distrust is that just 25% of voters believe government experts make policy recommendations based primarily on their professional expertise. A majority (55%) believe they experts make recommendations based upon their own political preferences. On this question, those with a post-graduate degree are evenly divided. A solid majority of all other voters are more skeptical.
Twenty-three percent (23%) would favor changing our system of government so that government experts could set policy without the need for voter approval. However, 66% would oppose that change.
Scott Rasmussen’s latest column touches on this subject and recent examples of public skepticism. The column notes that 55% of voters believe that letting government bureaucrats set rules without approval of Congress or voters is a major threat to democracy.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from June 22-24, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 205 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
Many years ago, I made a series of presentations at Harvard University. One moment I will never forget came over lunch when a professor asked me why the American people didn’t trust them to lead. After all, she said, that’s what people at the Kennedy School of Government were trained to do.
I was stunned by the question. We live in a nation founded on the premise that governments derive their only just authority from the consent of the governed. The notion that the people should follow the elites is a fundamental rejection of our founding ideals. Besides, I have great faith in the commonsense wisdom of the American people.
Since that long ago lunch, I’ve heard echoes of that professor’s question in many public policy debates. Polling conducted early in the year found that 66% of voters had recently engaged in activities officially discouraged by the CDC. That reality frustrated many public health officials, governors, and mayors. The same dynamic can be found on issue after issue.
Partly it’s because the elites and everyday Americans have different perceptions of how experts operate. The elitist perspective is that government experts are strictly guided by knowledge rather than by any personal agenda. In this self-serving view, the experts consider the facts and make the logical conclusion.
However, just 25% of voters believe government experts make policy recommendations based primarily on their professional expertise. A solid majority—55%– believe the policy recommendations made by experts are based upon the experts’ own political preferences.
Having grown up in a world skeptical of experts promoting their own agendas, none of this surprised me. But one result from last week’s poll was truly shocking.
I asked voters whether certain activities were a major threat to democracy in the United States. One of the options was “letting government bureaucrats set rules without approval of Congress or voters.” Fifty-five percent (55%) said that practice was, in fact, a major threat. That view is shared by 73% of Republicans, 43% of Democrats, and 40% of Independents.
To put that into perspective, a smaller number (45%) believe the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol was a major threat to democracy. While Democrats overwhelmingly see the events of January 6 in that light, Republicans and Independents are more likely to consider rule by bureaucrats as a major threat.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Forty-five percent (45%) of voters nationwide believe the United States has a free-market health care system. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 34% disagree and believe we have a government run system.
Most voters with a college degree believe we have a free-market system. However, those without a degree are more evenly divided. Most voters over 55 believe we have a free market system while younger voters are evenly divided.
While a plurality believes that we have a free-market system, government sources control 83% of all health care spending. A Cato Institute analysis of data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services found that:
46% of all health care spending comes directly from government sources. That’s far more than any other source of funding for the industry.
Another 37% of funding comes from spending supported through substantial tax preferences. Broadly speaking, this includes all employer provided health insurance. The only way to get the tax break is to provide the insurance mandated by the government. Cato calls this “spending subject to government coercion.”
However, results from other questions suggest a fair amount of confusion on this topic. On the negative side, 67% of all voters say the system is badly broken. More positively, 71% are happy with the medical care they receive.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The online survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen on June 15, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
Sixty-five percent (65%) of voters believe that zoning laws should be set by individual towns and cities. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 13% believe they should be set by the federal government, 7% believe there should be no zoning laws, and 15% are not sure.
Twenty-one percent (21%) of Democrats want the rules established by the federal government. Only 8% of Republicans and 7% of Independents agree.
Twenty-four percent (24%) of urban voters prefer federal rules. That view is shared by 11% of suburban voters and 9% of rural voters.
Younger voters are somewhat more supportive of federal rule making than their elders.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from June 10-12, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 232 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, internet usage, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
When thinking about the economy, 51% of voters believe it is more important to focus on economic growth than economic fairness. Another 35% take the opposite view while 14% are not sure.
Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Republicans see economic growth as more important while Democrats are more evenly divided. Forty-seven percent (47%) of those in Joe Biden’s party prefer a focus on fairness while 43% say growth.
As for Independent voters, 45% want the focus on growth and 36% want it on fairness.
At this moment in time, 25% of voters say cutting government spending would do the most to help the U.S. economy. Nineteen percent (19%) say cutting taxes would be best. Ten percent (10%) see increased government spending as most helpful while 9% say it’s cutting regulations on businesses. Another 9% believe higher taxes is the best policy for the economy while 7% favor increased regulation. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure.
Those who believe focusing on economic growth is the most important rated cutting spending and taxes as the best prescriptions. So do those who would rather focus on economic fairness.
All told, the numbers show that 53% believe reducing government involvement would be best for the economy while 26% believe the economy would benefit most from an increase in the role of government.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from March 18-20, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 201 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
Sixty-nine percent (69%) of voters say maintaining America’s energy independence by producing all the energy it needs is more important than banning fracking and relying upon other nations to provide for our energy needs. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 19% disagree and believe banning fracking is more important. Twelve percent (12%) are not sure.
A majority of every measured demographic group places a higher priority on maintaining America’s energy independence.
The survey also found that just 42% of voters recognize that the United States is currently the world’s largest producer of gas and oil.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from March 11-13, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 194 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
Forty percent (40%) of voters do not think people living in other nations, or companies from other nations, should be allowed to own land in the United States. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 35% believe foreign ownership should be allowed while 24% are not sure.
Voters under 35 tend to be supportive of foreign ownership while those 55 and older tend to be more opposed. Voters in the middle are evenly divided.
A plurality of suburban and rural voters oppose foreign ownership of land in U.S. while a plurality of rural voters support the idea.
By a 40% to 32% margin, women oppose foreign ownership of land in the U.S. while men are more evenly divided.
Note: Neither Scott Rasmussen, ScottRasmussen.com, nor RMG Research, Inc. have any affiliation with Rasmussen Reports. While Scott Rasmussen founded that firm, he left more than seven years ago and has had no involvement since that time.
Methodology
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from March 4-6, 2021. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 237 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Online respondents were selected from a list of Registered Voters and through a process of Random Digital Engagement. Certain quotas were applied, and the sample was lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
In terms of what’s best for the economy, 45% of voters nationwide prefer more government regulation establishing rules for large corporations. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 37% disagree. They would rather see less government regulation to allow for more private sector innovation.
Those who live in urban areas favor more government regulation by a wide margin–53% to 29%. Those who live in suburban and rural areas are more evenly divided.
Most voters under 45 favor increased regulation while older voters tend to see more value in allowing innovation.
Not surprisingly, there is a huge partisan divide. Sixty-three percent (63%) of Democrats like the idea of more regulation while 58% of Republicans take the opposite view. Independent voters are fairly evenly divided.
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from September 10-12, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 166 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
In terms of bringing people together, 48% of voters nationwide believe the better policy approach is giving more individual freedom for people to establish their own guidelines for social interaction. However, a Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 34% disagree and believe it would be better to have more government involvement to establish fair rules and guidelines for social interaction.
On the policy side, there is a significant generation gap. By a 52% to 29% margin, older voters (45+) believe allowing more freedom is the way to bring people together. Voters under 45 are evenly divided–42% say more freedom and 40% more government rules.
Republicans strongly prefer more freedom as the answer. Independent voters, by a 47% to 29% margin, agree.
However, a narrow plurality of Democrats take the opposite view. Forty-four percent (44%) of those in Joe Biden’s party think more government rules governing social interactions are needed. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of Democrats prefer more freedom.
There is an interesting racial divide among Democrats. By a 47% to 36% margin, Black Democrats think more freedom is the answer. However, by a 46% to 35% margin, other Democrats believe more rules are the better approach.
Among all voters, there is virtually no racial divide on this question.
The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Scott Rasmussen using a mixed mode approach from August 20-22, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Most respondents were contacted online or via text while 142 were contacted using automated phone polling techniques. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation’s population of Registered Voters. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population.
