Marquette University Law School released a new poll today. The new numbers illustrate trends in Wisconsin voters’ opinions on the presidential election, COVID-19 impact and response, and policing issues. The poll was conducted among 805 registered Wisconsin voters from June 14 to June 18.
In the race for president, the new numbers show former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump by 8 points, 49% to 41% respectfully. This a significant bump for Biden, who led Trump by 3 points just a month ago.
While Trump’s overall job approval rating has remained relatively stable at 45%, his job approval rating on specific issues vary from issue to issue. Just 30% of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd. 44% indicated they approve of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 50% approve of his handling of the economy.
Spelling potential concerns for the Trump campaign, his support among Republicans dropped 10% since May’s poll. The new numbers show 83% of Republicans support Trump versus 93% who said the same a month ago.
Among independents, the numbers are starker. The May poll showed Trump’s approval rating was 50% among independents. Today’s numbers indicate 36% of independents approve, a considerable slip in that category.
In gauging opinion on the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, the poll found 61% of Wisconsin voters approve of mass protests and calls to “restructure the role of police and require greater accountability for misconduct” are supported by 81% of respondents. However, calls to “defund the police” are supported by just 23%.
Among all respondents, racial prejudice against Black people is seen as a “very serious problem” by 41%, a “somewhat serious problem” by 37%, and as “not serious or not a problem” by 19%.
On topics related to COVID-19, 19% said they were “very worried” about the personal risk of COVID-19. This number is down 11% since March and 6% since last month, which seems to indicate people are less concerned about the severity of the virus.
Governor Tony Evers still has relatively strong approval ratings on the handling of the pandemic. While his numbers did drop 6% since last month, 58% of respondents indicate they approve of his handling of the pandemic.
On reopening various sectors of society, 54% said they are comfortable with schools opening in the fall, 83% say they are comfortable visiting a friend or family member’s home, 65% are comfortable shopping at a mall or large retail story, and 49% are comfortable eating at a restaurant.
Other data includes:
Evers Approval Rating:
- Approve: 54%
- Disapprove: 38%
Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin Favorability Rating:
- Favorable: 40%
- Unfavorable: 38%
Republican Senator Ron Johnson Favorability Rating:
- Favorable: 35%
- Unfavorable: 32%