This data is from Heart + Mind Strategies’ latest Coronavirus Tracking Poll, which was conducted on September 2-3, 2020. This was an online quantitative survey. In total, a sample of n=1,008 interviews were conducted.
Since March 2020, Heart + Mind Strategies’ Coronavirus Tracking Poll has followed Americans’ reactions to the government’s pandemic response. The most recent wave of polling, conducted on September 2-3, indicates many Americans lean toward approaches that take local conditions into account and keep decisions at the state level.
Approaches to economic shutdowns
| Total | Republicans | Democrats | Independents | |
| Favor less strict shutdowns based upon local conditions | 43% | 50% | 40% | 34% |
| Favor strict shutdowns | 38% | 33% | 46% | 39% |
| Are not sure | 19% | 17% | 14% | 28% |
Decision rights on reopening the economy
| Total (Change) | Republicans | Democrats | Independents | |
| Federal Government | 26% (0) | 18% | 12% | 9% |
| States | 57% (-1) | 55% | 60% | 53% |
Concern that scope of government power will remain after pandemic threat
| Level of Concern | Total | Republicans | Democrats | Independents |
| Extremely/Very | 30% (-2) | 37% | 26% | 26% |
| Somewhat | 31% (-2) | 30% | 32% | 26% |
| Just a little/Not at all | 39% (0) | 33% | 43% | 49% |
Reactions to messages from US government
The majority of Americans say messages from the US government are leaving them more confused.
About this polling
State Policy Network is working with Heart + Mind Strategies to track the American public’s opinions through this time of upheaval and change. The Heart + Mind Strategies’ Coronavirus Tracking Poll has been fielded weekly since March 18-19, 2020. In June, the polling schedule shifted to bi-weekly, with the most recent field dates of September 2-3, 2020, informing this article. This was an online quantitative survey. In total, a sample of n=1,008 interviews were conducted.
