Welcome to NAVIGATOR – a project designed to better understand the American public’s views on issues of the day and help advocates, elected officials, and other interested parties understand the language, imagery, and messaging needed to make and win key policy arguments.
This release features findings from a national online survey of 1,001 registered voters conducted March 11-15, 2021. Additional interviews were conducted among 101 Hispanic voters, 105 African American voters, 103 independents without a partisan lean, and 67 Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.
Key takeaways
- More than half of Americans support abolishing the filibuster when it is explained.
- A majority feel Republicans in Congress are using the filibuster to block Biden and Congressional Democrats’ agenda.
- Nearly three in five Americans support restoring the Voting Rights Act.
Public Remains Less Informed on Filibuster and Offers a Range of Descriptions
Just one in five (20%) report understanding the filibuster “very well” and 55% “very” or “somewhat” well.
A Majority of Americans Support Abolishing the Filibuster
After reading a definition of the filibuster, half (52%) support its abolition, including a quarter who “strongly support.” Still, one in five Americans are undecided.
Republicans in Congress Seen as Using Filibuster to Impede Progress on Biden and Democrats’ Agenda
More than three in five Black Americans (66%) and Hispanic Americans (62%) say Republicans are using the filibuster to block legislation.
Restoring the Voting Rights Act Has Majority Support
More than half of Americans (56%) support restoration of the Voting Rights Act.
- Among Black Americans, 61% “strongly support” its restoration.
