ROANOKE, Virginia (WFXR)- In another recent poll released by the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research (IPOR) at Roanoke College, Virginians were asked about their political anxiety and satisfaction with democracy, as well as their perspective on voting as the nation moves closer to the 2024 election.
The survey included 686 adult residents of the Commonwealth between November 12 and 20. 407 participants were interviewed by random telephone call and 279 were selected from an online panel. IPOR mentions that 89% of respondents indicated that they were registered voters.
According to the data, 42 percent of respondents believe the economy is the most important issue currently facing the state. Specifically, employment and inflation have been cited as key voting factors in the upcoming election. Issues related to crime (11%) and education (12%) were also considered important issues currently facing Virginia.
Virginians were also asked about public policy issues, including abortion. The percentage citing abortion as the most important issue increased six points since the last Roanoke College political poll, from 5 percent to 11 percent. The study also found that about 89 percent of Virginians agree that abortion should be legal in at least some cases. This is still five points more than in August this year.
Roanoke College also asked Virginians how satisfied they were with local and national politicians. President Joe Biden and Governor Glenn Youngkin’s approval ratings remain close to their most recent polls. 52% of Virginians approve of Governor Youngkin and 37% approve of Biden’s handling of the presidency.
Regionally, participants in southwest and central Virginia are less satisfied with the state of democracy than those in northern Virginia and the South who are more satisfied. The researchers say this suggests an underlying difference in the dynamics of the public’s view of satisfaction at the national level versus the state level.
The investigation continued with questions about Republican presidential nominations. Donald Trump maintains a considerable lead among respondents with 51%, followed by DeSantis at 14%, Haley at 10% and Youngkin at 10%. When asked about their second choice applications, the results showed a more competitive field. About 26% of Republicans listed DeSantis as their second choice, followed by Youngkin (19%), Haley (17%), Trump (15%), Ramaswamy (10%), Scott (3%) and Christie (3%). It is important to note that although Governor Youngkin is named in the poll, he is not currently an official Republican presidential candidate.
Asked about a rematch between Biden and Trump in the 2024 presidential election, the survey found that Biden still leads Trump by about 4 points, between 48% and 44%. However, Biden’s lead continues to decline, as he was a nine to 15 point favorite earlier this year. Even more surprising, the survey found that 45% of Virginians would consider voting for an independent candidate over Biden and Trump in 2024, which would have a significant impact on Biden’s voting percentage among independents. The data reveals that Biden no longer has an advantage among independents.
Roanoke College says the current political situation has created an increase in political anxiety as the 2024 presidential election approaches. 43% of Virginians believe the state, and 74% believe the nation, will generally in the wrong direction.
Since 2016, IPOR has tracked Virginian’s national political sentiment using a Political Anxiety Index, which is based on six questions. The six questions include:
- Trust in national government
- Ability of citizens to influence government
- If their team won more often than lost
- Satisfaction with how government works
- Whether the country’s best years are ahead or behind
- Whether Americans are united or divided in the face of their greatest challenges.
Republicans (red line) are currently reporting a higher level of anxiety, which has remained relatively stable under the Biden administration. Democrats (blue line) are currently reporting lower levels of anxiety, but with an increase of about 80 points since a November 2022 poll. Overall, national political anxiety (gray line) has remained relatively stable for most of the time followed by IPOR. the index, there has been a gradual increase of around 80 points since the start of 2021.
