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UMass Amherst Poll has released a series of findings on how the public views Massachusetts ballot initiatives and state leaders, voting reforms, and presidential candidates. For topline results and crosstabs for all polls, please visit www.umass.edu/poll

 

Massachusetts Questions 1-5

On October 15, the UMass Poll published findings indicating that most Massachusetts residents largely support four out of five ballot questions appearing on the 2024 ballot. Question 4, which asks whether or not natural psychedelics should be legalized in the Commonwealth, currently shows 43% of voters in support and 43% of voters against the change in legal status. 

The released results also found support for the ballot initiative process in the state, fears of political violence after the presidential election, and high support for both Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren.

Voters & Direction of Massachusetts

Results released on October 16 found that 41% of participants believe that the Bay State is headed in the wrong direction. Those surveyed expressed concern about the cost and availability of housing, the state’s economy, and the influx of migrants to the state. Even though results indicate displeasure with the state’s direction, support is strong for elected officials currently in office. 

Findings also indicated that 70% of those surveyed believe that abortion should remain legal and accessible in the Bay State. 

Voting Access Reforms & Independent Redistricting

Poll results released on October 17 found strong support for measures that would improve voting access within the Commonwealth, including making Election Day a state holiday. Participants also support offering same-day voter registration on Election Day and during early voting. Those surveyed also supported an independent commission tasked with redrawing state and congressional districts. 

Harris Leads Trump Nationally, Especially Among Women

On October 22, the UMass Poll released findings showing that Kamala Harris currently has a two-point lead over Donald Trump nationally. Results indicated that, among women, Harris currently has a seven-point lead. Raymond La Raja, professor of political science and co-director of UMass Poll, comments on the differences between women voters who are Republicans and those who support the Democratic party. Of Republican women voters, “Just 22% agree that [Trump] is responsible for restricting a woman’s right to choose, compared with 82% of Democrats and 43% of independents. Also, 90% of Republican women say he puts America first compared to just 9% of Democratic women.”  

Call for a National Popular Vote Among Women

Results from a national UMass Amherst/League of Women Voters Poll show that women overwhelmingly support moving away from the Electoral College model in favor of a national popular vote for presidential elections. Of those polled, 62% supported switching to a popular vote system. Participants also largely supported expanding vote-by-mail options, same-day voter registration, automatic voter registration, online voting, and extending voting rights to those who have served prison sentences. 

Bans on Abortion and IVF

A new UMass Amherst/League of Women Voters Poll revealed that two-thirds of Americans oppose potential bans on abortion and in vitro fertilization (IVF). "In the years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and thus restricted the national right of women to choose to have an abortion, in poll after poll, majorities of Americans and in particular women, have expressed support for a federal law or constitutional amendment that reestablishes, enshrines, and protects this right," says Tatishe Nteta, provost professor of political science and director of UMass Poll. "As states, both red and blue, decide to enshrine the right to an abortion in their state constitutions, the nation awaits whether the federal government will follow the will of the people or the preferences of a minority of Americans." 

Unpopularity of 'Project 2025' Policy Proposals

Results released on October 29 focus on how the American public feels about the policies proposed by conservatives in the "Project 2025" playbook. When asked to rate these proposed policies on a scale of 0 to 100, Americans on average ranked them at 25. Words most frequently used to describe "Project 2025" include evil, conservative, dangerous, and fascism. 

This round of findings also explored participants' feelings on immigration and the "Great Replacement Theory." Results show that many who participated in the survey want to deport undocumented immigrants; however, many also want unauthorized immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers to have a path to stay in the U.S. While immigration remains a complex issues, findings indicate an increase in the number of respondents who believe in tenets of the "Great Replacement Theory," with 42% agreeing that "some elected officials want to increase immigration in order to bring in obedient voters who will vote for them" This number is up from the 37% reported in 2022.

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