Progress Iowa released an exit poll showing where Iowans’ top priorities were at the ballot box this year. The poll was conducted by Public Policy Polling and the results show that Iowa voters heavily favor progressive policies and solutions, including repealing Iowa’s 6-week abortion ban, raising the minimum wage and supporting public education.
Along with clear support for more progressive policies, Governor Reynolds, often cited as the least popular governor in America, saw a 12-point drop in her approval, down to 44 percent. Additionally, 51 percent of Iowans would consider her challenger for the Governor’s office if the election were held today and 43 percent want someone more progressive or much more progressive.
“Iowans may have voted for Trump again, but you can still see shades of purple through the policies they support,” Policy Analyst for Public Policy Polling Jim Williams said. “The data from our poll shows that Iowa voters support funds for public schools over private, access to health care and their abortion rights, and economic policies that favor working families over wealthy corporations.”
While President-elect Donald Trump received 56 percent of the vote in Iowa, many progressive policies in the poll received even more support from Iowa voters:
- 59% think public tax dollars should be spent to fund public schools only.
- 66% support stricter regulations for carrying firearms, such as limiting concealed carry, requiring permits or background checks, and safety training.
- 87% say it is very important to maintain Social Security and Medicare.
- 57% think the Governor and the Iowa legislature should increase funding for public schools.
- 57% prefer their tax dollars be used to adequately fund public services like education, infrastructure, and clean water over saving a few hundred dollars on their taxes.
- 81% believe the minimum wage should be increased.
“More than half of Iowans support tons of progressive policies – like abortion rights, public funds only in public schools and tax breaks that put working families first,” Katy Siddall, Progress Iowa’s messaging director said. “In the past, voters have been focused on single issues but this year they were split on four. They’re clearly frustrated with politicians and eager for solutions to the issues they care about.
“Overwhelmingly, 79 percent of Iowa voters agree that politicians have been too focused on private, personal issues. Our legislators need to get back to basics – stop trying to divide us and make personal decisions for us. Let us decide our futures by focusing on issues that improve our communities and help everyone get ahead.”
