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BACKGROUND

M3 Strategies surveyed 345 likely voters statewide in Illinois from April 18-20th. The survey has a margin of error of 5.26% at 95% confidence. Respondents were randomly selected from a pool of individuals who are likely to vote. All responses were generated via SMS to web survey.

KEY FINDINGS

  • The vast majority of voters (80%) say the current political environment is more antagonistic than it has ever been. This includes 94% of voters over the age of 65. 

  • 53% of voters believe it is more important to support practical policies than caring policies that show compassion. But, there are clear partisan and gender breakdowns. 

  • By a 2:1 margin, Biden supporters believe it is more important to support caring policies than practical policies (69%), compared to only 17% of Trump supporters.

  • 58% of women, compared to 38% of men, believe it is more important to support caring policies. 

  • 78% of voters say they rely on their own judgment when formulating opinions on public policy issues, compared to only 22% who follow what experts say. 

  • 29% of Chicago voters follow what experts say, compared to 18% of rural voters. 

  • 28% of female voters follow what experts say, compared to only 19% of men.

  • Younger voters (31% of those 18-30) tend to follow what experts say, compared to only 17% of those over 65.

  • 38% of Biden voters follow what experts say, compared to only 4% of Trump supporters. 

  • Only 8% of voters believe it is “OK to exaggerate or dramatize risks or problems in order to get the public to support policies that experts say are good.”

  • The one outlier is young voters (18-30), with 23% saying it is OK.

  • By a 2:1 margin, Biden supporters believe we should support programs that show compassion (68%), even if they have minimal impact, compared to only 16% of Trump supporters.

RESULTS

SELECTED CROSSTABS

Many have described our politics as becoming more antagonistic. Some claim it has always been that way. Which phrase best matches your beliefs?

Which phrase best matches your belief when it comes to "truth"?

Does social pressure influence how vocal you are about your political beliefs? Or, are you willing to vocalize your beliefs regardless of the social situation?

Do you feel that most of your friends and family are vocal about their true political beliefs in social circles?

When you are formulating opinions on public policy issues, which phrase best matches your beliefs:

On social issues that are highly contentious, my instinct is to

Should we support programs that show we have compassion, even if long-term data shows those programs to have minimal positive impact?

When voting, do you judge candidates on what they say, what you think they will do, or how much they care?

Is it OK to exaggerate or dramatize risks or problems in order to get the public to support policies that experts say are good?

What is more important when voting? To support caring policies that show empathy and kindness for others? Or to support practical policies that make your own life easier?

Do you have neighbors who support bad ideas / public policy, in order to make themselves look good or feel more caring?

DEMOGRAPHICS

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