Highlights and Features
The SLU/YouGov Poll delivers nonpartisan insights into Missouri voters’ opinions on critical issues shaping the state and nation. The poll engages policymakers, the media, and the broader public to inform civic discourse and support policymaking that reflects citizens’ interests, strengthening our democracy. The SLU/YouGov Poll also offers unique opportunities for Saint Louis University faculty and students to engage in high-quality public opinion research.
On the Front Pages of Major Missouri Newspapers
The Kansas City Star, St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Springfield News-Leader have each showcased SLU/YouGov Poll results on their front pages. For example, on Aug. 30, 2024, the Kansas City Star featured SLU/YouGov Poll results that highlighted Missouri voters' growing support for overturning the state’s abortion ban. The August 2024 SLU/YouGov Poll found that 52% of likely Missouri voters supported a proposed constitutional amendment to overturn the ban, while 34% opposed it and 14% were undecided. The poll results were cited in the article to illustrate the shifting public opinion on abortion access in Missouri ahead of Missourians voting on the amendment in the November 2024 election.
Governor's Candidate Debate
The Missouri Republican Primary Governor debate between state Sen. Bill Eigel and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft on July 24, 2024, featured gun control findings from the SLU/YouGov Poll. Televised across multiple Missouri networks, key poll findings on criminal background and mental health checks on gun purchases and “red flag” laws motivated questions to the Gubernatorial candidates concerning their position on gun control.
Missouri Governor's Press Release
Former Missouri Gov. Mike Parson cited SLU/YouGov Poll results on immigration when announcing the deployment of 200 Missouri National Guard members and 22 Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers to the U.S. southern border in Texas on Feb. 20, 2024. The SLU/YouGov Poll found that 75% of Missouri likely voters agreed with the statement: “The U.S.-Mexican border situation is a crisis that needs to be resolved immediately.” Parson referenced these findings to provide context for his decision and to highlight public opinion on immigration issues in Missouri.
Article in the Journal for Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis
Data from the SLU/YouGov Poll, highlighting public opinion on educational content related to racism and critical race theory, were featured in the journal article, “Voters, Parents, and Curricular Control: Preferences for Instruction Related to Racism and Critical Race Theory.” The poll found that when asked if schools should be allowed to teach CRT, only 37% of voters agreed and 51% disagreed. However, when asked if schools should be allowed to teach about how racism can exist in society and its institutions, 48% of voters agreed and 38% disagreed. The poll results provided insights into voters’ and parents’ preferences regarding CRT instruction, contributing to the study’s analysis of the ongoing debates surrounding this topic in the United States.