The SLU/YouGov Poll surveys likely Missouri voters on a broad range of issues. The summaries below compile results from the past several polls to show how Missourians feel about a number of issues, from guns and public safety to education.
Approval Ratings
This polling summary highlights Missouri voters’ approval ratings of:
- President Joe Biden
- U.S. Congress
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley
- U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt
- Gov. Mike Parson
- Missouri state legislature
Issue Ratings
This polling summary highlights Missouri voters’ ratings of:
- U.S. economy
- Missouri economy
- Public schools in their community
- Public schools in Missouri
- Missouri roads and infrastructure
- Crime in their community
- Race relations in their community
- Their mental and physical health
Guns and Public Safety
- At least 57 percent of Democratic, Republican, and Independent voters support background checks for buying guns/firearms (June 2020, Aug. 2022, Feb. 2023 Polls)
- 10 percent or fewer voters support banning all guns, handguns, or hunting rifles (Feb. 2023 Poll)
- 56 percent of voters are worried about a shooting happening at public schools in Missouri (Feb. 2023 Poll)
Abortion
- At least 60 percent of Democratic, Republican, and Independent voters support abortion being legal in cases of rape, incest, and when the woman’s life is endangered (Aug. 2022 Poll)
- 44 percent of voters support the proposed ballot initiative to legalize abortion in Missouri. 37 percent oppose. 19 percent are not sure. (Feb. 2024 Poll)
Loans and Scholarships
- 45% of Missouri voters agree that the federal government should forgive up to $10,000 in federal student loan debt. 43% disagree (Aug. 2022 Poll).
- 64% of Missouri voters believe that tax-funded Education Savings Accounts should be made available to students in households that earn up to $75,000 (250% of the federal poverty level) (Feb. 2024 Poll).
LGBTQ+ Issues
- 56 percent of Missouri voters support same-sex marriage (Aug. 2023 Poll)
- Fewer than 38 percent of Missouri voters support public school bans of books on gay, lesbian, or transgender youth (Aug. 2023 Poll)
- Fewer than 19 percent of Missouri voters support allowing public elementary schools to discuss sexual orientation or gender identity issues. Meanwhile, at least 51 percent of voters support allowing such discussion in high schools (Aug. 2023 Poll)
Charter Schools
- 52% of Missouri voters believe charter schools should be allowed to operate in their local district (Aug. 2023 Poll)
- 55% of Missouri voters believe charter schools should be allowed to operate across the state (Aug. 2023 Poll)
For questions or suggestions for the SLU/YouGov Poll, contact SLU Poll Director Steven Rogers, Ph.D., at steven.rogers@slu.edu.