Poll Hub

Unprecedented Texas Abortion Law Meets Long-Term Public Opinion

Episode Summary

How does Texas’s new, controversial abortion ban align with Americans’ views on the procedure? Also, why is it so tricky to poll in California? It’s a timely question with Governor Gavin Newsom facing a special recall election next week.

Episode Notes

Recently, Texas has been all over the news for its new, controversial abortion law that prohibits the procedure after six weeks while also allowing almost any private citizen to sue abortion providers…or literally anyone who assists a woman to get an abortion. That could mean Uber drivers, family, friends, and others. But, does the public agree with this? In 2019, we asked adults, “With respect to the abortion issue, do you consider yourself pro-life or pro-choice?” 57% said they were pro-choice, 35% said they were pro-life, and 8% were unsure. Between those pro/anti poles, however, is a LOT of gray area.

On September 14th, California voters will decide whether to recall Governor Gavin Newsom. This will be the second time in California’s history that a recall election for Governor has happened. How will it turn out? There have been a fair number of polls, but we explain why polling in California is hard to begin with – and the details of this election make it close to impossible.

Finally, we wrap up with a fun fact from Lee all about tattoos! 

 

About Poll Hub

Each week, Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, the Marist Poll.

Lee Miringoff (Director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of the Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at the Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.