The majority of Americans, 55%, are in favor of the death penalty for convicted murderers in the U.S. While this marks the sixth consecutive year that support for capital punishment is between 54% and 56%, it is below the 60% to 80% readings recorded in the four prior decades between […] Read more »
For Republicans, Crime Pays, No Matter What Else Happens
In the months leading up to Election Day, the Republican Party conducted an advertising campaign focused on crime and social disorder, on looting and shoplifting in big cities across the country. They tried to associate Democrats with “defund the police” messages that are, in fact, voiced by a very small […] Read more »
American Democracy on the Eve of the 2022 Midterms
Two years ago, America’s democracy was tested when Donald Trump refused to concede Joe Biden’s presidential win, a violent mob stormed the Capitol to try to prevent the certification of Biden’s victory, and a majority of congressional Republicans, including two-thirds of House members, voted against certifying the result. Public confidence […] Read more »
Republicans head into final week with lead in seats, voters feel things are “out of control”
The election is already underway; millions have voted, and tens of millions more will before Nov. 8. Amid that, eight in 10 likely voters describe things in the country today as “out of control,” as opposed to “under control.” That doesn’t bode well for the party in power: Republicans are […] Read more »
Record-High 56% in U.S. Perceive Local Crime Has Increased
Americans are more likely now than at any time over the past five decades to say there is more crime in their local area than there was a year ago. The 56% of U.S. adults who report an increase in crime where they live marks a five-percentage-point uptick since last […] Read more »
Nearly 6 in 10 Voters Reject Criminalizing Any Abortions
A majority of voters (57%) say the government should not make abortion a crime, punishable with prison time or fines. This includes seven-in-ten Democrats and nearly two-thirds of independents. Among Republicans, 77% oppose criminalization before fetal viability (22-24 weeks), including 42% who oppose any criminalization and 35% who only favor […] Read more »