Poll Hub

Americans overwhelmingly oppose partisan gerrymandering in principle, with large bipartisan majorities saying congressional maps should not be drawn to favor one party and strongly supporting independent commissions over politicians controlling the process. However, attitudes become more partisan in practice, as many Democrats and Republicans support gerrymandering when it benefits their own side, revealing a tension between support for fairness and political self-interest, even as majorities say partisan redistricting is bad for democracy.

Then, Americans spent a record $104.7 billion on lottery tickets in 2024, nearly double what they spent in 2008, and the growth has been nearly uninterrupted for over...

This week, we’re taking a closer look at one of the few issues that appears to unite Americans across the political spectrum: concern about money in politics. From campaign spending and lobbying to billionaire influence and “dark money,” recent polling suggests large majorities of Americans believe wealth and special interests now hold too much power in shaping elections and political decision-making. Many also say the current system weakens democracy and creates the appearance of corruption, concerns that cut across party lines. At the same time, campaign finance reform has historically struggled to become a top public priority, even as ele...

This week, we're breaking down our new national poll conducted with NPR and PBS News. President Donald Trump's job approval rating remains in the high 30s, with Americans' concerns cutting across multiple issues. Domestically, affordability remains a worry, and many say the economy is not working well for them personally. At the same time, views on foreign policy are also shaping public opinion, with a majority believing the United States’ position on the world stage has weakened. More than six in ten also say recent military action in Iran has done more harm than good. In this segment, we br...

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After the recent shooting tied to the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, we take a step back to look at how Americans are responding to the broader issue of political violence. New polling shows widespread concern that this type of violence is on the rise, but also a growing willingness among some to see it as justified in certain situations. We unpack what’s behind this shift, including generational divides, rising polarization, and how today’s political rhetoric may be shaping the way people think about conflict and accountability.

We also...

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We open with a deep dive into the Make America Healthy Again”(MAHA) initiative and how it’s landing with the public. At a surface level, many Americans are on board with the idea of improving overall health across the country. But that broad agreement doesn’t always translate into strong alignment with the movement itself. In fact, when people hear more detailed explanations of the policies tied to MAHA, their reactions often become more mixed. In this segment, we look at what this disconnect tells us about how Americans process health-r...

This week on Poll Hub, we explore how beliefs, values, and identity are shaped and reshaped across generations in American life. Drawing on new data from the Pew Research Center, the conversation looks at how many Americans were raised with strong religious identities and consistent practices, yet far fewer maintain those same levels of engagement in adulthood. We examine what drives this shift —from changes in family structure and upbringing to broader cultural influences —and consider how early experiences—whether religious or secular—continue to shape people’s sense of meaning, belonging, and identity over time. Marist Lecturer in Religious...

This week on Poll Hub, we take a closer look at where Mayor Zohran Mamdani stands after his first 100 days in office, based on the latest Marist Poll data. The numbers point to a noticeable shift in public mood: a plurality of New York City residents approve of the job he’s doing, and for the first time in months, more than half of residents say the city is moving in the right direction. That marks a meaningful change from earlier polling trends.

Beyond the topline numbers, voters are also forming clear impressions of his leadership style. Man...

On this week’s Poll Hub,

We start by unpacking a new Gallup survey that points to a notable global rebound in trust in banks and other financial institutions. While the United States is moving in the same upward direction, it still trails many other countries when it comes to public confidence. We take a closer look at why trust remains more fragile at home, exploring the lingering effects of past financial crises, differences in regulation, and what this gap could mean for the broader economy moving forward.

Then, we turn to a deeper dive into...

On this week’s Poll Hub, we take a closer look at a country pulled in different directions: abroad and at home.

Americans are deeply divided over the conflict with Iran. Many see the conflict as a “war of choice,” not necessity, and most say the administration hasn’t clearly explained its goals. And, amidst rising economic concerns, especially gas prices, public skepticism only grows.

That divide is especially stark along partisan lines. Republicans overwhelmingly support military action, while Democrats and independents very much oppose it. Even within the GOP, however, there are signs of tension...

On this week’s Poll Hub, we take a closer look at where things stand with cancer in the United States. It’s still one of the most widespread diseases in the country, but the story is more multi-dimensional than it used to be. Treatments have improved significantly, and people are living longer than before. At the same time, more people are being diagnosed, including younger individuals, raising important questions about what’s driving that increase and how much we still don’t fully understand.

We also explore how cancer care is evolving. New treatments like targeted therapie...

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We take a deeper dive into the results of our newest national survey conducted with NPR and PBS News. The conversation looks at how Americans are feeling about the current political climate, including Donald Trump’s job approval rating and public confidence in the fairness and security of U.S. elections. We break down the data, explore where opinions differ, and discuss some of the factors that may be influencing attitudes across the country.

We also shift gears to talk about perfectionism. While striving to do things well can be motiv...

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We unpack how Americans’ confidence in higher education is shifting and what’s behind the change. Long viewed as a reliable path to success, a college degree is now being reassessed as concerns about cost, student debt, and real-world outcomes grow. We explore how attitudes differ across generations, political groups, and socioeconomic lines.

We also tackle the latest trends in remote and hybrid work, exploring how the workplace continues to evolve in a post-pandemic world. From flexibility and work-life balance to productivity and collaboration, we examine what Americans are gainin...

On this week’s Poll Hub:

After a historically long State of the Union this week, we're asking if President Trump helped himself as new polling captures how lousy Americans are feeling about Trump’s priorities and the direction of his administration. Disapproval remains a key part of the story, but the data goes deeper, highlighting where the public sees alignment, where there’s frustration, and how these views differ across political and demographic groups.

In the second segment, we turn to an issue that helps drive those gloomy polls: grocery prices. Even as grocery inflat...

On this week’s episode of Poll Hub, Peter Enns, professor at Cornell University and co-founder of Verasight, joins to explore how polling is evolving beyond traditional approval ratings. Rather than focusing solely on top-line numbers, Enns discusses how researchers are digging deeper into public opinion to better understand nuance, intensity, and underlying motivations.

As a lead researcher on The Breakthrough polling project, Enns is helping redefine how we measure public opinion by incorporating open-ended responses, topic modeling, and sentiment analysis. These tools allow researchers to capture, not just what people think, but how they think — r...

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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we take a closer look at how politics is shaping modern dating. From abortion to transgender rights, recent polling shows a growing share of singles say a potential partner’s political views factor into whether they’d pursue a relationship at all, highlighting how deeply political identity has become woven into personal life. At the same time, the data points to widening divides by age and ideology, with younger adults and women especially likely to say mismatched views are a deal-breaker.

Plus, do Ameri...

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GLP-1 weight loss drugs are everywhere: in ads, on social media, and, increasingly, in medicine cabinets. But, beyond the hype, what do Americans actually think about them?

Recent polling shows use of GLP-1s has more than doubled in the past year. At the same time, most Americans say willpower alone isn’t enough to manage weight long-term, reflecting a growing shift towards viewing obesity as a medical issue rather than a lifestyle choice.

Plus, our latest national poll takes a deeper look at how Americans currently view...

A surge of federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and surrounding communities has pushed questions of public safety, federal power, and civil liberties into the national spotlight. After two fatal shootings involving immigration officers, national polling shows growing concern about ICE tactics and increasing support for oversight and reform. We break down how Americans across party lines are reacting, and whether these events represent a broader shift in public opinion on immigration enforcement.

Then, we turn to sleep deprivation in America, a widespread but often overlooked public health issue. New polling shows that a majority of adults say...

Endometriosis remains one of the most under-recognized conditions in women’s health, with patients frequently facing years of pain before proper diagnosis. Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Chief Medical Officer at Hers and a board-certified OB/GYN, helps unpack why awareness and education gaps persist and what steps can improve care, understanding, and patient experiences.

Next, we examine IVF and fertility access with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, a reproductive endocrinologist known as The Egg Whisperer. While more people are seeking fertility treatments, financial and systemic barriers continue to shape who can build families through medical care.

Finally, we co...

The CDC’s recent shift away from universal childhood vaccine recommendations marks a significant change in U.S. health policy. Moving toward a shared decision-making model between clinicians and parents, this change aligns the U.S. more closely with some European countries but has sparked debate among public health experts and parents alike. We unpack how Americans view this new approach, including strong overall support for routine vaccines and school mandates but also notable variations in confidence around vaccine safety, testing, and scheduling by political affiliation, age, and education.

Then, we turn to Martin Luther King Jr. Da...

The U.S. detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sparked a new political crisis abroad and a divided reaction at home. But, unlike many past U.S. actions, especially in this hemisphere, Americans don't seem to be rallying around the flag so much this time. We walk through what’s known about the operation, how Americans feel about the use of military force, and what polling shows about who the public believes should shape Venezuela’s future.

Then, we dig into why confidence in the news media continues to erode. As more Americans obtain information from...

Most Americans are giving gifts this year but how much are they spending? We're looking at the latest data about how the critical-to-retailers holiday shopping season will shape up.

It's a big question because, as we found in our new poll with NPR and PBS News out this week, Americans are bummed about the economy, whether about prices or jobs. Will this mean a blue Christmas?

Finally, we share a fun fact from past polling that looks at whether Americans ever give “rain check” gifts during the holidays -- plus a brand new result from our...

Gen Z takes over Poll Hub!

New polling shows a growing divide within Gen Z, revealing clear differences between young men and women in how they think about success. Young men and women differ in their views on marriage, children, career priorities, and whether they want to stay in the United States. We break down the data and discuss what may be driving these shifts within the generation...by bringing on 4 of our student producers to tell us what's up.

We also bring a holiday-themed fun fact that looks at a classic seasonal question about...

Many Americans believe that their diets are healthy, but access to nutritious food varies, especially in food deserts. Residents in these areas face challenges with affordability and access and are less likely to rate their diets as healthy. Similarly, many Americans who rely on SNAP benefits are likely to live in these food deserts, which only highlights these structural inequalities. Deanna Jacobs, the Food Systems Coordinator at Dutchess Outreach, joins us to discuss and share some of the work the organization does to combat food insecurity in Marist's area.

Then, could you tell the d...

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We’re digging into how Americans are consuming news in 2025 and what that shift means. Our first guest, Will Jordan from Global Strategy Group, walks us through new findings on the widening gap between active and passive news consumers. As more people stumble across information instead of intentionally searching for it, we ask what this means for staying informed. We also talk about how these habits are shaping trust, fact-checking, and the role algorithms now play in people’s daily news diets.

Then we shift to the growing use of biome...

This week, we’re digging into brand-new NPR/PBS News/Marist polling that offers an early snapshot of the 2026 midterms. The survey shows Democrats opening a clear lead on the national generic congressional ballot, their strongest position in more than three years. We also break down what’s driving voter attitudes, from blame for the nation’s most extended government shutdown to declining trust in major institutions. With voters prioritizing lowering prices and expressing deep frustration across the political landscape, we examine what this all means heading into 2026.
 

Then, we turn to how Americans are choosing to cast...

We’re exploring how access to “third spaces,” the cafés, libraries, community centers, and local hangouts where people gather outside of home and work, may shape civic life and voter participation. Author Sarah Stamper from the civic organization Murmuration, joins us to discuss new research showing that when people have fewer of these everyday spaces, they are less likely to vote, volunteer, or feel connected to their communities. We take a closer look at why Stamper argues these spaces should be treated as vital civic infrastructure and how rebuilding them could help rebuild trust and participation in democracy.

And...

The votes are in, and New York City elected Democrat Zohran Mamdani as its next mayor. Plus, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger have become governors-elects for New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. Now that we have the results, how did the pollsters do? We'll take a look at some of the last polls completed just before the election and see how they compare to actual results.

Turkey trots invite first-time racers and families, while marathons attract serious runners, chasing personal bests and qualifying times. While the running community has seen growth since the 2020 pandemic, overall, many A...

 New York City is poised to elect a new mayor, and the choice may have national implications. Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani continues to hold a large lead in our new poll over both Republican Curtis Sliwa and Democrat-turned-independent Andrew Cuomo. We're digging into the crosstabs to explain why the old rules of multi-ethnic coalition building in city elections may not hold any longer.

Next, make sure to check out this part of the episode on YouTube because, for Halloween, we dressed up in some odd costumes. But it's not all fun, games, and candy. We're looking at t...

When people describe a leader as "strong," it often has less to do with policies or accomplishments and more to do with language and style. At least that's what Dr. Jennifer Mercieca, a political rhetoric expert at Texas A&M, believes and, to her, Donald Trump is the perfect example. Her book Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump explores how performance and speech have, again, come to dominate American politics.

Then, in the midst of the World Series and an exciting NFL season, we turn to sports betting. In less than a decade, wagering...

After two years of war in Gaza, Israel and Hamas have reached a deal and the conflict appears to have ended but many doubt that lasting peace is possible, and support for a two-state solution has dropped sharply. In the U.S., approval of Israel’s military actions in Gaza has reached record lows, especially among younger and Democratic voters, while more Americans now support recognizing Palestinian statehood. These shifts show a clear change in how people see Israel and Palestine after two years of war.

Next, we look at online perfection. From perfect bodies to luxury li...

Columbus Day has been part of American tradition for decades, but many people are beginning to see it differently. We explore how the growing recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is changing the way Americans think about history and identity. This conversation goes beyond holidays and raises deeper questions about how a nation chooses to tell its story.

Next, we turn to immigration, one of the most defining issues in American life. The way questions are worded in polls can shape how people think about immigration and influence how the public understands this complex topic. We look at ho...

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Class in America isn’t only about money or jobs; it shapes everyday life in powerful ways. New research shows that education and income influence who people consider close friends, how often they visit public spaces like parks and libraries, and even whether they can rely on neighbors or friends in a crisis.

These hidden gaps in social connection reveal how class quietly divides communities far beyond economics or politics.

We're also discussing our new poll with NPR and PBS News on how Americans are feeling about every...

Free speech has long been seen as a core American value but recent events are testing just how deeply people believe in it. Following the killing of Charlie Kirk, scores of people were fired for speaking their minds -- including ABC late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel came back this week but big questions remain about whether the First Amendment still means protecting all kinds of speech. We’ll look at what the polling says about how Americans define being American, where the divides are sharpest, and why national pride is no longer something everyone shares.

Then, we...

New York City’s mayoral race is heating up. Zohran Mamdani leads the field, but his advantage somewhat narrows in a head-to-head match-up with Andrew Cuomo. This hotly contested race highlights how voters are weighing their choices for the city’s future. Beyond the numbers, this Marist Poll of New York City also captures what New Yorkers think about the quality of life in the city and how leadership will shape it moving forward.

Next, we ask: Is America still a capitalist icon? Support for capitalism has slipped in recent years, but socialism has not gained support. Poll...

The American penny is headed into the history book. The Trump Administration announced pennies will stop being minted early next year. So, we're wondering if this is the start of a much bigger transition to a coinless or even cashless society. We explore what the polling says about how often people actually use cash and whether Americans are truly ready for a digital dollar future.

A lot of Americans say they are not getting the rest they need, and the effects go far beyond simply feeling tired. Sleep is deeply connected to health, happiness, a...

Nearly three years after ChatGPT’s debut, many students now use AI tools for schoolwork in some way, yet public opinion continues to be filled with uncertainty and skepticism. We have a student and professor to talk through AI's status in education as the school year starts.

Meanwhile, the fall is also a time for sports. Youth sports are grappling with rising costs, increasingly packed schedules, and growing safety concerns, leading many parents to question whether kids are starting to lose the joy of simply playing the game. When 12-year-olds have pitching coaches, have we gone too fa...

We take a look at the bleak outlook renters have about homeownership, and which demographics feel especially unlikely to own a home. On the flip side, we also look at the association of homeownership with the American Dream. Is it still attainable? There's A LOT of doubt among young Americans.

Then, on this topic of affordability, we talk about side hustles, and how younger generations seem to be gravitating towards a new style of working. The gig economy has been around for a while, but the appeal is still strong for those looking at e...

We track how Americans' opinions on Ukraine have shifted from Obama through Trump, then Biden, and now into Trump’s second term, where the country is deeply divided along party lines. From Crimea to sanctions to peace talks, we look at the key moments that shaped public attitudes and ask what role opinion will play in the next stage of the conflict.

Then, we turn to the rise of "time poverty" with Cassie Holmes, a professor at UCLA Anderson School of Management, and author of Happier Hour (2022). An expert on time and happiness, Holmes has published award-winning rese...

For centuries, America has been the land of opportunity for immigrants from every corner of the globe. But with our recent nativist turn on newcomers and America First agenda, recent polling from global surveys shows that America's beacon may be dimming in the eyes of others. We talk shifting opinions on America, and how China is benefitting.

Then, we're bringing it back to local, with a discussion about barbershops, and more specifically, how barbershops double as spaces for many men to let down their guards. And we learn we have had a barber amidst us this whole...

Across the world, religious shifts are happening. From people switching to new religions to those abandoning religion altogether, we have Dr. Phil Zuckerman from Pitzer College on to discuss the rise of "religious switching," and what it might mean for the future of faith.

Then, in our fun fact this week, we hit the roads (and discuss who probably shouldn't be hitting the roads)!