Key takeaways from the survey
- While Americans are divided on how the country is doing, most think we need major changes in how our government works.
- A majority support the For the People Act and see urgency in its passage before next year’s midterm elections.
- Out of a range of For the People Act proposals, those that curb corruption, create accountability, and ensure absentee ballot access are seen as those that would have the greatest personal impact for Americans.
Americans Are Divided on the State of the Country and Want “Major Changes” in How Government Works
Nearly two in three Americans want “major changes” to the way our government works (63%).
Biden and Democrats More Trusted Than Congressional Republicans as Stewards of Democracy and Voting
Biden and Democrats are more trusted than Republicans by double digits on “protecting American democracy,” “combatting voter suppression,” and “making sure peoples’ voices” are heard among independents.
While Many Are Initially Unaware of the For the People Act, Support Is Strong Once Informed
On a separate question, only 33% of Americans report having heard “a lot” (10%) or “some” (23%) about it.
Most Popular Democracy Reforms: Donor Disclosure, Limiting Lobbyist Influence, Redistricting, Election Security
Among independents, a majority “strongly support” requiring disclosing dark money donors (53%) and “slowing the revolving door between government officials and lobbyists” (49%).
Ending Gerrymandering, Ensuring Absentee Voting, & Disclosing Dark Money Seen as Having Positive Personal Impacts
Roughly three in ten Americans across party lines say ending partisan gerrymandering would have the most positive impact on them personally if passed (35% of Democrats, 29% of independents, and 31% of Republicans).
Most Effective Arguments for Reforms Focus on Rooting Out Corruption and Creating More Accountability
Consensus exists among at least three in four Americans across party lines that rooting out corruption in both parties and ensuring politicians work “for us” rather than special interests are convincing reasons to support these reforms.
Majority Say It Is Urgent That the For the People Act Is Passed Before Midterms
More than half of independents (51%) say it is urgent the For the People Act is passed before the November 2022 midterm elections. Among Democrats, 52% say it is “very urgent.”
About The Study
This release features findings from a national online survey of 1,001 registered voters conducted June 10-14, 2021. Additional interviews were conducted among 99 Hispanic voters, 102 African American voters, 101 independents without a partisan lean, and 71 Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.