A poll conducted last week by Indy Politics’ polling partner ARW Strategies showed that most Hoosiers think abortion should be legal in all or most cases, a plurality thinks lawmakers should focus on inflation, and they are virtually split on the job Governor Eric Holcomb is doing.
A poll of 800 likely voters revealed that 54 percent thought abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while just 40 percent said it should be illegal in all or most cases.
This comes as Indiana lawmakers are putting new restrictions on abortion.
When broken down by party, Republicans were 24-69 on whether abortion should be legal in all or most cases, Democrats 91-6, and Independents 60-35.
Sixty-three percent opposed criminal penalties for doctors who perform abortions, while only 27 percent supported criminal penalties. And 55 percent stated it was important that a candidate shared their view on abortion. Broken down by political affiliation, 48 percent of Republicans supported criminal penalties for doctors who performed abortions, 92 percent of Democrats opposed criminal penalties, as did nearly 70 percent of Independents.
“The big number that jumps out is that 55 percent believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 40 percent believe it should be illegal in all or most cases,” said Andrew Weissert of ARW strategies. “I’d point out, though, that just 27 percent believe it should be legal in all cases, and only 11% say it should be illegal in all cases. The vast majority of Hoosiers hold a more nuanced view of either believing there should be some restrictions to it (28 percent) or that there are instances when an abortion can or should be allowed (29 percent). “
When it came to inflation, 53 percent said they bought fewer items to stretch their paychecks. Twenty-five percent, a plurality, said the Governor and lawmakers should focus on inflation and providing relief to Hoosiers. And 56 percent supported the Governor’s plan to provide an additional $225 to Hoosiers who pay taxes.
“Inflation and problems with the economy are very real to Hoosiers. Heading into the midterms, I expect this to be front-and-center with voters. By a two-to-one margin over the second most important issue, fighting violent crime and drugs, 25 percent of voters said tackling inflation to provide relief to taxpayers is the issue they most want the governor and state legislature to focus on, Weissert stated. “Fifty-four percent of Hoosiers say that inflation has forced them to buy fewer items to stretch their budget and/or paycheck. An additional 26 percent say they’re opting for the cheaper alternative to items they normally buy.”
Hoosiers were virtually split on the Governor’s performance. Forty-seven percent either strongly or somewhat approve of the job Governor Holcomb is doing, while 44 percent strongly or somewhat disapprove. When broken down by party affiliation, 61 percent of Republicans strongly or somewhat approved of the Governor, 21 percent of Democrats, and 48 percent of independents.
The poll was conducted July 19-21 and has a margin of error of +/-3.46 percent.
