FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News from Progress Michigan

July 1, 2020

Contact: Sam Inglot, sam@progressmichigan.org

New Poll Tracks Attitudes on Police Reform and Michigan Officials

Michigan voters approve of police reforms and Gov. Whitmer

MICHIGAN – On Wednesday, Progress Michigan and Public Policy Polling released the latest version of Lake Effect, a monthly research newsletter that tracks public opinion about various issues and officials in Michigan.

Full results of the poll can be found here. Highlights include:

  • 62 percent of respondents believe police departments should reform their use-of-force practices. Only 29 percent disagree.
  • 48 percent of respondents view the Black Lives Matter movement favorably, while 39 percent have an unfavorable view.
  • 47 percent of respondents approve of measures to reallocate police funding to social services.
  • 44 percent of respondents approve of President Trump’s job performance, while 52 percent disapprove.
  • Gov. Whitmer’s current approval rating is 53 percent, compared to 40 percent of respondents who disapprove.
  • Former VP Joe Biden leads President Trump 50-44, while Sen. Gary Peters leads Republican challenger John James 47-39.
  • When asked whether Gov. Whitmer or President Trump has done a better job of handling COVID-19, respondents side with Whitmer by a margin of 57-37.
  • Only 37 percent of respondents support efforts to recall the Governor, compared to 53 percent in opposition. When asked about efforts to limit the Governor’s executive powers, 36 percent said they supported the measures, while 53 percent opposed them.
  • 56 percent of respondents plan to vote by mail in 2020.

“Yet again, the polling makes it clear that Gov. Whitmer is the leader Michigan voters look to in these difficult times,” said Lonnie Scott, Executive Director of Progress Michigan. “While Trump has focused on shifting blame and inflating his own ego, Gov. Whitmer has listened to the experts and done her best to protect our communities—and the majority of voters understand that. Michiganians’ support for police reform and measures to shift funding toward areas like education and mental health care is another encouraging sign as the Black Lives Matter movement continues to fight back against systemic racism and police violence.”

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