Most U.S. adults believe political divisions have worsened since 2021 and expect to see divisions increase further, a recent poll shows.
A study conducted by YouGovAmerica, a branch of international research and analyst group YouGov, shows that 66% believe the country has become more politically divided since 2021, compared to the 8% who said it was less so. Similarly, 65% of respondents believe political violence has increased, with 63% and 62% expecting an increase in divisions and violence in the coming years, respectively.
The poll, conducted from Aug. 20 to Aug. 23 among 1,500 respondents with an approximate 3-percentage-point margin of error, covered topics such as attention to political divisions, the midterm elections, the 2024 presidential election, and expected-versus-preferred Senate and House outcomes for the 2022 contests.
TRUMP LEADS BIDEN IN PENNSYLVANIA IN 2024 POLL
When asked about an impending civil war, the percentage gaps visibly narrowed. At least 29% of U.S. adult citizens said a civil war is somewhat likely and 24% said civil war is not very likely. On the political spectrum, 31% of not very strong Democrats and 35% of not very strong Republicans said a civil war is somewhat likely.
More Republicans are paying attention to the 2022 midterm elections, with 38%, followed by Democrats at 36% and independents at 26%.
Between winning control of the House or the Senate, the Senate is projected to be the closer fight, according to Politico. The House is expected to flip in the Republicans’ favor.
In YouGovAmerica’s poll, independents were almost evenly split on the 2022 Senate outcome, with 26% preferring a Democrat-controlled Senate and 30% preferring a Republican-controlled Senate. More independents expect the Republicans to take control of the Senate at 28%, compared to 14% expecting the Democrats to take control.
Thirty-one percent of independents support a Republican-controlled House over the 26% who prefer Democratic control. However, 36% of independents believe the Republicans will be victorious in the House.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The poll asked respondents about their support of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Neither president has filed for candidacy, but Biden has said he plans to run. Democrats are evenly split on whether they would support or not support Biden in 2024 at 36%. Overwhelmingly, 79% of Republican respondents would not support Biden for reelection.
The Washington Examiner reached out to public opinion polling expert Kathy Frankovic, who conducted the survey, for comment.
