Current Events

46% Are Pro-Choice, 43% Pro-Life

With Texas and Wisconsin the latest states to attempt limits on abortion, fewer voters than ever are calling themselves pro-choice, and the gap between pro-choice and pro-life voters is the narrowest yet.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters now consider themselves pro-choice, the lowest finding in three years of regular surveying. Forty-three percent (43%) say they are pro-life, matching the highest finding to date. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 5, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

Most Voters Still Favor Employer Sanctions, Police Checks to Fight Illegal Immigration

Most voters continue to favor stronger border control over legalizing the illegal immigrants already here. They also remain strongly supportive of tough sanctions on employers who hire these illegal immigrants and of automatic immigration checks during routine police traffic stops. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe gaining control of the border is more important when it comes to immigration reform. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 34% consider legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living in the United States more important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

73% Oppose U.S. Involvement in Egypt

Despite the growing political chaos in Egypt, U.S. voters remain adamant that the United States should not get involved.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 73% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the United States should leave the situation in Egypt alone. Just 10% think America should get more involved. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 6-7, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

51% Think All EPA Regulations Need Congressional Approval

The Environmental Protection Agency sent a revised greenhouse gas emissions rule straight to the White House  yesterday, but most voters now think regulations like this should travel through Capitol Hill first.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely U.S. Voters believe EPA regulations should require congressional approval before they can be implemented. That's up eight points from 43% in late December. Only 28% disagree, while nearly as many (21%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 26-27, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

58% Expect Obama’s New EPA Regulations to Increase Energy Costs

Nearly half of U.S. voters like the idea of putting tighter environmental controls on new and existing power plants, but just as many think President Obama’s proposed regulations to do that will hurt the economy. Most expect those regulations to drive up energy costs. 

Forty-eight percent (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters favor new environmental regulations to place stricter limits on carbon dioxide emissions from new and existing power plants, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirty-four percent (34%) oppose these new regulations. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 26-27, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

51% Now Consider Immigration Very Important to Their Next Vote

For the first time in nearly two years, over half of voters say the immigration issue is Very Important in terms of how they will vote in the next congressional election.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate immigration that highly, up from 45% in April.  Another 32% rate the issue as somewhat important. Just 15% say immigration is not very or Not At All Important to how they will vote in the congressional midterm elections next year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 16-17, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Just 28% Now Think Feds Likely to Secure Border if Reform Plan Passes

Regardless of what a comprehensive immigration reform plan promises, voters are less confident than ever that the federal government really would secure the border to prevent future illegal immigration.  Still, voters continue to support the concept of comprehensive reform. Sixty percent (60%) of Likely U.S. Voters now favor an immigration plan that gives those here illegally legal status to stay provided the border is really secured to prevent future immigration. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 25% oppose such a plan, while 15% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 20-21, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

55% Disagree With Obama’s Decision to Arm Syrian Rebels

Most voters oppose President Obama’s decision to arm the Syrian rebels and think those weapons are likely to end up in the hands of America’s enemies. Confidence in the administration’s handling of the Syrian situation has fallen to a new low.

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.  

32% Are Willing to Pay More In Taxes to Keep Medicare As Is

Voters tend to believe it's not possible to keep Medicare going as is without a tax hike, but just one-in-three are willing to pay more in taxes to keep the government insurance program that way.  

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 34% of Likely Voters think it's possible to continue Medicare as it is today without raising taxes, up from 29% in June 2011.  But a plurality (42%) still doesn't think that's possible, while 24% more are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 10-11, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Unlike Senate ‘Gang of Eight,’ Voters Put More Border Control First

An immigration reform bill stalled in the U.S. Senate six years ago this month, but supporters expect this year’s model to pass two procedural votes as early as today to advance for further debate. Enhanced border security remains the number one immigration issue with voters but is a secondary issue for many supporters of the so-called “Gang of Eight” reform effort.

On Gun Control: 43% Trust GOP, 41% Trust Dems

Democrats’ efforts to strengthen gun control laws may not have had the political impact they’d hoped for: Voters are becoming more likely to trust Republicans than Democrats on the issue.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters trust the GOP more than Democrats when it comes to gun control. Slightly fewer (41%) still trust Democrats more. Seventeen percent (17%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 23-24, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

59% Prefer Less Health Insurance, Bigger Paycheck

While employers wrestle with ways to meet the requirements of President Obama’s health care law, most Americans want the option of less health insurance coverage and more take home pay.

If they had a choice, 59% of Likely U.S. Voters would choose a less expensive health insurance plan that covered only major medical expenses and a bigger paycheck. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 31% would opt instead for a more expensive insurance policy that covered just about everything and receive a smaller paycheck.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 27-28, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

52% Think Media Reacts More Quickly to Things That Affect Them

The U.S. Justice Department's secret seizure of telephone records from the Associated Press has been drawing major headlines for several days. Voters have mixed feelings about the story, but 52% of Likely U.S. Voters think the media reacts more quickly to things that affect news organizations, reporters and their friends. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 23% disagree and don't see media self-interest in their news choices. Twenty-five percent (25%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on May 15-16, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

36% Think States Should Set Gun Laws, 34% Say Feds

Voters now give the edge to state governments over the federal government when asked who should be responsible for gun ownership laws. 

Thirty-six percent (36%) think state governments should set those laws, while 34% believe the feds should have that responsibility, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Seventeen percent (17%) feel gun laws should be up to local governments. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 13-14, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

42% Think Justice Department Trying to Bully Media in AP Case

Voters are closely divided over whether the U.S. Justice Department’s secret seizure of telephone records from the Associated Press was an effort to protect national security or an attempt to bully the media.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% think the Justice Department’s actions were chiefly an effort to intimidate the media. But nearly as many (38%) think Justice was primarily acting out of a concern for national security. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 15-16, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

64% Think It Would Be Bad If Only Government Had Guns

Voters still favor more gun control including a ban on semi-automatic and so-called assault-type weapons but continue to strongly oppose a complete ban on private gun ownership.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the United States needs stricter gun control laws. Forty-three percent (43%) disagree and oppose more gun control.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 13-14, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

25% Think U.S. Can Still Win in Afghanistan

Half of U.S. voters continue to favor an immediate withdrawal of all American forces from Afghanistan, as fewer voters than ever think the United States can really win there.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of Likely U.S. Voters think the United States should immediate withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan. Just 32% oppose a complete withdrawal, while 18% more are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 11, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

If Border Is Secured, 38% Still Want to Decrease Legal Immigration

Most Americans want to decrease or leave unchanged the number of legal immigrants allowed into the United States even if the government secures the border to stop the flow of illegals.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 26% of American Adults think the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country legally should be increased if the government actually secures the border and prevents illegal immigration. But 38% believe the government should decrease the level of legal immigration if the border is really secured, while 24% feel the level should be left unchanged. Eleven percent (11%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on May 6-7, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

81% Think Immigrants From Countries with Terrorist Ties Should Be Screened More Closely

Most Americans think the United States should welcome legal immigrants from around the world but believe those from countries with terrorist ties should be eyed more closely. They also think the United States should give preference to immigrants who are good for the economy.  

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of American Adults think the United States should treat all potential immigrants equally in thinking about immigration policy. But 29% feel the United States should allow more immigrants from some countries than from others.  Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on May 6-7, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

50% Think Most Immigrants Are Pursuing the American Dream

Most U.S. voters have a favorable opinion of immigrants who come to this country in pursuit of the American Dream, but only half think immigrants to this country have that goal in mind. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of Likely U.S. Voters believe most immigrants work hard, support their families and pursue the American Dream. Only 24% disagree, but just as many (26%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 5-6, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.