A recent Stockton University poll indicates a notable shift among New Jersey registered voters regarding immigration, while support for abortion rights remains strong.
Released on Thursday, the poll reveals that 57% of respondents back a national initiative to deport immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. Support for this action varies across party lines: 33% of Democrats, 89% of Republicans, and 56% of independents are in favor of deportations.
The poll exclusively addressed political issues and did not evaluate candidates.
Public opinion on legal immigration has also changed significantly. In 2022, voters were evenly divided, with 34% supporting easier immigration and 34% favoring more restrictions. However, this month’s results show that 51% of New Jerseyans believe immigration should be more difficult, while only 20% advocate for easier immigration laws.
Republicans at both the state and federal levels have emphasized immigration in their campaigns, asserting that the southern border with Mexico is insecure. They have criticized the Biden administration for what they label a crisis at the border, prompting some Democrats to join calls for increased resources at the southern border.
In contrast, the poll also addressed abortion, an issue that Republicans have not prioritized in their campaigns. A significant 73% of New Jersey voters support legal abortion in all or most cases, while 20% believe it should be illegal in most circumstances. Furthermore, 58% of voters disapprove of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Opinions on the economy reveal a divide along party lines. Overall, 54% of voters express optimism about the economy’s direction, but nearly half cite the rising cost of everyday goods as their primary financial concern. More than half of Democrats view their financial situation positively, compared to about a third of Republicans. Almost 80% of Democrats feel optimistic about the economy, while only about a quarter of Republican respondents share this sentiment.
When asked about economic priorities, voters expressed a desire for Congress to increase taxes on the wealthy (28%), reduce the national debt (14%), and implement a ban on grocery price gouging (14%).
Alyssa Maurice, Research Director at the Hughes Center, noted, “A September poll identified the economy, immigration, and abortion rights as the top issues for New Jersey voters in this year’s election. This poll aims to explore voters’ specific views on these issues.”
The Stockton Polling Institute conducted the survey from October 10 to 14, 2024, polling 616 registered voters. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 3.9 percentage points.
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