Contact: Gary Sasse | 401-524-3867 | gsasse1@cox.net
SMITHFIELD, RI -- The Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant University today released a public opinion survey on the attitudes of Rhode Island registered voters relating to the coronavirus crisis. The survey was conducted from April 15 through April 18, 2020.
The poll surveyed public attitude about the job approval voters give elected officials in handling the coronavirus crisis, trust voters place in information being provided, the effect of the crisis on personal economic well-being, the impact on participation in the political process, and attitudes towards the roles and responsibilities of government.
The Institute’s Director, Gary Sasse, said “The Spring of 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of the Institute. Unfortunately, it coincided with the global pandemic. In light of these circumstances, as a public service the Institute has decided that this was the right time to examine the public’s perception of leadership during this crisis.”
The survey results showed that most voters have a favorable opinion of the performance of state leaders overall, and 81 percent said Governor Gina Raimondo’12H is doing an excellent or good job in dealing with the crisis. There is a high level of trust in the information provided by Governor Raimondo (84 percent) and public health officials, including Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott ’19H (86 percent).
Related:
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo was awarded a Bryant University Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration in 2012.
Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, was awarded a Bryant University Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters in 2019.
Summary of key findings
Click the links for detailed HIGHLIGHTS and RESULTS.
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Rhode Island voters rate the job performance of state elected leaders higher than national elected leaders. 60% said state elected leaders are doing an excellent or good job compared to 32% for national elected leaders.
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81% of voters said Governor Raimondo is doing an excellent or good job in dealing with the crisis, compared to 34% for President Trump.
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84% of voters said they have a great deal or good amount trust in information Governor Raimondo is providing.
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35% said they had a great deal or good amount of trust in the information President Trump was providing the public.
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86% said they had a great deal or good amount of trust in the information provided by public health officials.
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More than half (53%) said their finances have been negatively affected by the Coronavirus, either greatly or moderately.
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Over one in five Rhode Island voters (22%) said the Coronavirus had no negative financial impact on them, while 23% saying they have experienced little negative impact.
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As a result of the Coronavirus, Rhode Islanders said they are more likely to engage in voting (82%), and 61% were more likely to express their views to elected officials.
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A majority of voters said that the responsibilities of the federal government should be expanded in health care (53%), income security (53%) and education technology (62%).
The telephone survey of 410 Rhode Island registered voters was conducted from April 15 through April 18, 2020 by Fleming & Associates. The poll’s margin of error is +/- 4.8%.
About the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant University
The Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant University provides public officials and community leaders with the tools and skills needed to make informed decisions and manage responsive organizations effectively. Custom programs enable state and local leaders to access university-level education in innovative leadership practices while engaging in robust discussion with their peers.