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August 2022 SLU Poll Results

In August 2022, the SLU/YouGov Poll surveyed 900 likely Missouri voters to assess their opinions concerning the 2022 U.S. Senate Election, Missouri Political Actors, abortion policy, and other issues important to Missouri voters.

Analyses of August 2022 Poll from SLU/YouGov Poll Directors

The SLU/YouGov Poll brings national attention to Missouri politics, receiving coverage from The Washington Post, Politico, and MSNBC, amongst other outlets. To get the latest updates, follow the SLU Poll team on Twitter.

Approval Ratings of National and State Political Actors

President Joe Biden

Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: President Joe Biden?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: President Joe Biden?': 12% Strongly approve, 24% Approve, 13% Disapprove, 49% Strongly disapprove, and 2% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 34% Strongly approve, 53% Approve, 8% Disapprove, 3% Strongly disapprove, and 3% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 1% Strongly approve, 1% Approve, 10% Disapprove, 87% Strongly disapprove, and 1% Not sure.

Governor Mike Parson

Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: Governor Mike Parson?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: Governor Mike Parson?': 11% Strongly approve, 39% Approve, 18% Disapprove, 26% Strongly disapprove, and 7% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 3% Strongly approve, 13% Approve, 28% Disapprove, 52% Strongly disapprove, and 4% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 22% Strongly approve, 61% Approve, 8% Disapprove, 2% Strongly disapprove, and 6% Not sure.

Senator Roy Blunt

Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: Senator Roy Blunt?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: Senator Roy Blunt?': 6% Strongly approve, 29% Approve, 29% Disapprove, 27% Strongly disapprove, and 9% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 2% Strongly approve, 11% Approve, 35% Disapprove, 42% Strongly disapprove, and 9% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 11% Strongly approve, 44% Approve, 22% Disapprove, 13% Strongly disapprove, and 10% Not sure.

Senator Josh Hawley

Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: Senator Josh Hawley?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: Senator Josh Hawley?': 24% Strongly approve, 22% Approve, 9% Disapprove, 35% Strongly disapprove, and 10% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 2% Strongly approve, 8% Approve, 12% Disapprove, 69% Strongly disapprove, and 9% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 47% Strongly approve, 35% Approve, 6% Disapprove, 4% Strongly disapprove, and 7% Not sure.

U.S. Supreme Court

Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: The US Supreme Court?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: The US Supreme Court?': 9% Strongly approve, 36% Approve, 21% Disapprove, 30% Strongly disapprove, and 4% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 3% Strongly approve, 9% Approve, 24% Disapprove, 62% Strongly disapprove, and 2% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 19% Strongly approve, 54% Approve, 16% Disapprove, 5% Strongly disapprove, and 6% Not sure.

U.S. Congress

Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: The US Congress?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: The US Congress?': 2% Strongly approve, 20% Approve, 39% Disapprove, 33% Strongly disapprove, and 6% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 5% Strongly approve, 45% Approve, 35% Disapprove, 9% Strongly disapprove, and 7% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 0% Strongly approve, 7% Approve, 47% Disapprove, 40% Strongly disapprove, and 6% Not sure.

Missouri State Legislature

Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: The Missouri State Legislature?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you approve or disapprove of the way each is doing their job: The Missouri State Legislature?': 4% Strongly approve, 42% Approve, 20% Disapprove, 24% Strongly disapprove, and 10% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 2% Strongly approve, 16% Approve, 25% Disapprove, 49% Strongly disapprove, and 8% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 8% Strongly approve, 67% Approve, 10% Disapprove, 1% Strongly disapprove, and 13% Not sure.

 

Statewide Opinion Over Time

Most Important Issue to Missourians

Which of the following do you think should be the top priority of the Missouri state government?

Likely voters' responses to 'Which of the following do you think should be the TOP priority of the Missouri state government?'. June 2020 Voter Responses 43% Economy, 28% Health Care, 13% Education, 11% Infrastructure, and 5% Other. October 2020 Voter Responses: 39% Economy, 34% Health care, 13% Education, 10% Infrastructure, and 4% Other. July 2021 Voter Responses: 42% Economy, 25% Health care, 13% Education, 15% Infrastructure, and 6% Other. August 2021 Voter Responses: 51% Economy, 16% Health care, 11% Education, 14% Infrastructure, and 8% Other.

Is the United States on the Right or Wrong Track?

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements: The United States is on the right track and headed in a good direction?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you agree or disagree with the following statements: The United States is on the right track and headed in a good direction?': August 2022 Responses: 15% Agree, 73% Disagree, and 12% Not Sure. July 2021 Responses: 30% Agree, 60% Disagree, and 10% Not Sure. Oct. 2020 Responses: 38% Agree, 54% Disagree, and 8% Not Sure.

Is Missouri on the Right or Wrong Track?

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements: The State of Missouri is on the right track and headed in a good direction?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you agree or disagree with the following statements: The State of Missouri is on the right track and headed in a good direction?': August 2022 Responses: 33% Agree, 51% Disagree, and 16% Not Sure. July 2021 Responses: 42% Agree, 44% Disagree, and 15% Not Sure. Oct. 2020 Responses: 43% Agree, 44% Disagree, and 13% Not Sure.

U.S. Economy

How would you rate the condition of the following: The Economy in the United States?

Likely voters' responses to 'How would you rate the condition of the following: The Economy in the United States?': 2% Excellent, 11% Good, 28% Fair, 58% Poor, and 1% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 3% Excellent, 27% Good, 41% Fair, 29% Poor, and 2% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 1% Excellent, 2% Good, 18% Fair, 78% Poor, and 1% Not sure.

Missouri Economy

How would you rate the condition of the following: The Economy in the State of Missouri?

Likely voters' responses to 'How would you rate the condition of the following: The Economy in the State of Missouri?'. June 2020 Voter Responses 3% Excellent, 25% Good, 40% Fair, 27% Poor, and 3% Not Sure. October 2020 Voter Responses: 4% Excellent, 31% Good, 37% Fair, 25% Poor, and 3% Not sure. July 2021 Voter Responses: 2% Excellent, 24% Good, 50% Fair, 21% Poor, and 3% Not sure. August 2021 Voter Responses: 1% Excellent, 14% Good, 53% Fair, 30% Poor, and 2% Not sure.

Public Schools in Missouri

How would you rate the following: Public Schools in the State of Missouri?

Likely voters' responses to 'How would you rate the following: Public Schools in the State of Missouri?'. June 2020 Voter Responses 2% Excellent, 28% Good, 46% Fair, 17% Poor, and 7% Not Sure. October 2020 Voter Responses: 3% Excellent, 23% Good, 43% Fair, 23% Poor, and 9% Not sure. July 2021 Voter Responses: 2% Excellent, 24% Good, 41% Fair, 26% Poor, and 7% Not sure. August 2021 Voter Responses: 1% Excellent, 20% Good, 46% Fair, 25% Poor, and 8% Not sure.

Public Schools in Your Community

How would you rate the following: Public Schools in your community?

Likely voters' responses to 'How would you rate the following: Public Schools in your community?'. June 2020 Voter Responses 13% Excellent, 35% Good, 32% Fair, 16% Poor, and 3% Not Sure. October 2020 Voter Responses: 8% Excellent, 34% Good, 29% Fair, 24% Poor, and 5% Not sure. July 2021 Voter Responses: 8% Excellent, 32% Good, 33% Fair, 25% Poor, and 3% Not sure. August 2021 Voter Responses: 6% Excellent, 33% Good, 35% Fair, 23% Poor, and 3% Not sure.

Roads and Infrastructure

How would you rate the following: Roads and infrastructure in the State of Missouri?

Likely voters' responses to 'How would you rate the following: Roads and infrastructure in the State of Missouri?': August 2022 Responses: 2% Excellent, 18% Good, 45% Fair, 35% Poor, and 1% Not sure. July 2021 Responses: 2% Excellent, 18% Good, 40% Fair, 37% Poor, and 4% Not sure. June 2020 Responses: 2% Excellent, 17% Good, 41% Fair, 39% Poor, and 1% Not sure.

Race Relations in Your Community

How would you rate the following: Race relations in your community?

Likely voters' responses to 'How would you rate the following: Race relations in your community?'. June 2020 Voter Responses 12% Excellent, 33% Good, 31% Fair, 19% Poor, and 5% Not Sure. October 2020 Voter Responses: 10% Excellent, 35% Good, 28% Fair, 22% Poor, and 4% Not sure. July 2021 Voter Responses: 12% Excellent, 35% Good, 26% Fair, 21% Poor, and 6% Not sure. August 2021 Voter Responses: 9% Excellent, 36% Good, 31% Fair, 19% Poor, and 6% Not sure.

Crime in Your Community

How would you rate the following: Crime in your community?

Likely voters' responses to 'How would you rate the following: Crime in your community?'. June 2020 Voter Responses 8% Excellent, 31% Good, 38% Fair, 21% Poor, and 2% Not Sure. October 2020 Voter Responses: 8% Excellent, 33% Good, 31% Fair, 25% Poor, and 3% Not sure. July 2021 Voter Responses: 8% Excellent, 34% Good, 32% Fair, 24% Poor, and 2% Not sure. August 2021 Voter Responses: 7% Excellent, 27% Good, 35% Fair, 29% Poor, and 2% Not sure.

Law Enforcement in Your Community

How would you rate the following: Law Enforcement in your Community?

Likely voters' responses to 'How would you rate the following: Public Schools in the State of Missouri?': 1% Excellent, 20% Good, 46% Fair, 25% Poor, and 8% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 1% Excellent, 14% Good, 42% Fair, 35% Poor, and 7% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 2% Excellent, 28% Good, 47% Fair, 17% Poor, and 7% Not sure.

Missourians' Physical Health

How would you rate the following: Your physical health in the last month?

Likely voters' responses to 'How would you rate the following: Your physical health in the last month?'. June 2020 Voter Responses 22% Excellent, 52% Good, 19% Fair, 7% Poor, and 0% Not sure. October 2020 Voter Responses: 18% Excellent, 52% Good, 22% Fair, 8% Poor, and 0% Not sure. July 2021 Voter Responses: 16% Excellent, 51% Good, 23% Fair, 8% Poor, and 2% Not sure. August 2021 Voter Responses: 16% Excellent, 46% Good, 27% Fair, 10% Poor, and 1% Not sure.

Missourians' Mental Health

How would you rate the following: Your mental health in the last month?

Likely voters' responses to 'How would you rate the following: Your mental health in the last month?'. June 2020 Voter Responses 27% Excellent, 39% Good, 21% Fair, 12% Poor, and 0% Not sure. October 2020 Voter Responses: 23% Excellent, 40% Good, 25% Fair, 12% Poor, and 0% Not sure. July 2021 Voter Responses: 24% Excellent, 41% Good, 25% Fair, 10% Poor, and 2% Not sure. August 2021 Voter Responses: 21% Excellent, 47% Good, 21% Fair, 10% Poor, and 0% Not sure.

 

Missourians' Abortion Views

Roe v. Wade

In June, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, the landmark ruling that established the constitutional right to abortion in the United States during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Do you agree or disagree with this Supreme Court ruling?

Likely voters' responses to 'In June, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, the landmark ruling that established the constitutional right to abortion in the United States during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Do you agree or disagree with this Supreme Court ruling?': 31% Strongly Agree, 16% Agree, 12% Disagree, 38% Strongly Disagree, and 4% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 4% Strongly Agree, 7% Agree, 7% Disagree, 80% Strongly Disagree, and 2% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 58% Strongly Agree, 17% Agree, 12% Disagree, 7% Strongly Disagree, and 7% Not sure.

Initiative to Lift Abortion Ban

If an initiative were put on a Missouri ballot to reverse the new ban on abortions in Missouri, making it legal for women to receive an abortion in Missouri, how would you vote?

This bar graph shows likely voters' response to, "If an initiative were put on a Missouri ballot to reverse the new ban on abortions in Missouri, making it legal for women to receive an abortion in Missouri, how would you vote?" 40% of all voters, 2% of Democrats, and 69% of Republicans would vote to continue the ban on abortion. 48% of all voters, 90% of Democrats, and 17% of Republicans would vote to reverse the ban, making abortions legal in Missouri. 13% of all voters, 8% of Democrats, and 13% of Republicans indicated they were not sure.

Criminalizing Out of State Abortion
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has the discretion to try to criminalize a Missouri woman going to another state to receive an abortion. Do you think a Missouri woman should be criminally prosecuted for receiving an abortion in another state?Likely voters' responses to 'Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has the discretion to try to criminalize a Missouri woman going to another state to receive an abortion. Do you think a Missouri woman should be criminally prosecuted for receiving an abortion in another state? ': 11% Yes, 81% No, and 8% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 7% Yes, 93% No, and 0% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 23% Yes, 60% No, and 17% Not sure.

Legal Abortion: In First 8 Weeks of Pregnancy

Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: in the first 8 weeks of the pregnancy?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: in the first 8 weeks of the pregnancy?': 58% Agree, 32% Disagree, and 10% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 91% Agree, 5% Disagree, and 4% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 32% Agree, 55% Disagree, and 13% Not Sure.

Legal Abortion: In First 15 Weeks of Pregnancy

Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: in the first 15 weeks of the pregnancy?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: in the first 15 weeks of the pregnancy?': 40% Agree, 46% Disagree, and 14% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 74% Agree, 16% Disagree, and 10% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 13% Agree, 74% Disagree, and 13% Not Sure.

Legal Abortion: In Cases of Rape

Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: in cases of rape?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: in cases of rape?': 75% Agree, 14% Disagree, and 11% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 93% Agree, 5% Disagree, and 3% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 60% Agree, 24% Disagree, and 16% Not Sure.

Legal Abortion: In Cases of Incest

Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: in cases of incest?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: in cases of incest?': 79% Agree, 11% Disagree, and 10% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 95% Agree, 3% Disagree, and 2% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 64% Agree, 20% Disagree, and 16% Not Sure.

Legal Abortion: When a Baby Has a Physical or Mental Disability

Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: when there is a strong chance of the baby having a physical or mental disability?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: when there is a strong chance of the baby having a physical or mental disability?': 46% Agree, 31% Disagree, and 23% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 79% Agree, 9% Disagree, and 12% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 23% Agree, 51% Disagree, and 27% Not Sure.

Legal Abortion: When a Baby Has Little or No Life Expectancy

Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: when the baby is diagnosed with a disorder resulting in little or no life expectancy?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: when the baby is diagnosed with a disorder resulting in little or no life expectancy?': 65% Agree, 20% Disagree, and 15% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 90% Agree, 6% Disagree, and 5% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 45% Agree, 32% Disagree, and 23% Not Sure.

Legal Abortion: When Life of Mother is Endangered

Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: when the woman's life is endangered by the pregnancy?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: when the woman's life is endangered by the pregnancy?': 87% Agree, 6% Disagree, and 7% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 97% Agree, 3% Disagree, and 1% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 79% Agree, 11% Disagree, and 10% Not Sure.

Legal Abortion: Any Reason

Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: when the woman wants an abortion for any reason?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you think it should be possible for a woman to legally obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri: when the woman wants an abortion for any reason?': 32% Agree, 57% Disagree, and 11% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 67% Agree, 19% Disagree, and 14% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 10% Agree, 82% Disagree, and 9% Not Sure.

 

Missourians' Policy Views

Gun Background Checks

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements: Missouri should require a background check for all firearm sales?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you agree or disagree with the following statements: Missouri should require a background check for all firearm sales?': 76% Agree, 16% Disagree, and 8% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 88% Agree, 8% Disagree, and 4% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 68% Agree, 20% Disagree, and 11% Not Sure.

Transgender Athletes

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements: Allowing transgender student athletes to play on sports teams that match their gender identity, rather than the gender they were assigned at birth?

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you agree or disagree with the following statements: Allowing transgender student athletes to play on sports teams that match their gender identity, rather than the gender they were assigned at birth ': 22% Agree, 65% Disagree, and 13% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 46% Agree, 31% Disagree, and 23% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 5% Agree, 91% Disagree, and 3% Not Sure.

Teacher Starting Salaries

Recently, Governor Mike Parson signed into law a bill that provides grants for one year to assist school districts in raising minimum starting teacher salaries from $25,000 to $38,000. The state program funds 70% of the cost of the raise, with the remaining 30% paid for by local districts. Would you support a law that made this state assistance permanent?

Graph Showing Results to this: Recently, Governor Mike Parson signed into law a bill that provides grants for one year to assist school districts in raising minimum starting teacher salaries from $25,000 to $38,000. The state program funds 70% of the cost of the raise, with the remaining 30% paid for by local districts.Would you support a law that made this state assistance permanent?

Federal Student Debt Forgiveness

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The federal government should forgive up to $10,000 in student loan debt for those with federal debt.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The federal government should forgive up to $10,000 in student loan debt for those with federal debt.': 45% Agree, 43% Disagree, and 11% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 83% Agree, 8% Disagree, and 9% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 19% Agree, 69% Disagree, and 12% Not Sure.

Free Student Lunches

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have been provided federal funding to provide free meals to all public school students. Previously, free meals were only provided to low-income students. Which approach do you support?

Likely voters' responses to 'Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have been provided federal funding to provide free meals to all public school students. Previously, free meals were only provided to low-income students. Which approach do you support?': 53% Free meals for all students, regardless of income, 39% Free meals only for low-income students, 5% No free meals for any students, and 2% Not sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 73% Free meals for all students, regardless of income, 26% Free meals only for low-income students, 0% No free meals for any students, and 1% Not sure. Republican voters' responses: 39% Free meals for all students, regardless of income, 49% Free meals only for low-income students, 7% No free meals for any students, and 4% Not sure.

Charter Schools

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Public charter schools should be allowed to operate in all parts of the state.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?Public charter schools should be allowed to operate in all parts of the state.': 62% Agree, 15% Disagree, and 23% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 53% Agree, 24% Disagree, and 24% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 64% Agree, 10% Disagree, and 26% Not Sure.

Students Enrolling in Schools Outside Their District

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Allow students to enroll in public schools outside of their assigned school district.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?Allow students to enroll in public schools outside of their assigned school district.': 61% Agree, 25% Disagree, and 14% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 56% Agree, 27% Disagree, and 17% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 62% Agree, 23% Disagree, and 15% Not Sure.

Required Teacher Certification

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Allow individuals who have not yet completed their training or earned a teacher certification to teach in Missouri public schools.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Allow individuals who have not yet completed their training or earned a teacher certification to teach in Missouri public schools.': 29% Agree, 51% Disagree, and 20% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 31% Agree, 47% Disagree, and 23% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 29% Agree, 51% Disagree, and 20% Not Sure.