United States – Research Co.

Americans Not Keen on Changing Presidential Term Limits

January 26, 2026January 25, 2026By Mario Canseco

In a head-to-head match-up featuring two-term presidents, Barack Obama is significantly ahead of Donald Trump.

Vancouver, BC [January 26, 2026] – The idea of enacting a constitutional amendment that would change the current term limits of American presidents is not popular across the United States, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 34% of Americans support allowing a person to be elected to the office of President of the United States three times (instead of two), while 59% are opposed.

“Just over seven-in-ten Americans aged 55 and over (71%) disagree with a constitutional amendment to allow a president to serve for three terms,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Animosity is lower, but still in majority territory, among those aged 35-to-54 (51%) and those aged 18-to-34 (52%).”

A constitutional amendment that would enable a person to be elected to the office of President of the United States indefinitely is backed by 19% of Americans and rejected by 72%.

Just over a third of Americans (34%) support allowing a person to be elected to the office of President of the United States only once (instead of twice), while a majority (56%) are against this course of action.

This month, just over two-in-five Americans (42%) approve of Donald Trump’s performance as president, while 53% disapprove and 5% are undecided.

Trump gets his best numbers among men (59%), Americans aged 35-to-54 (45%), residents of the South (47%) and Fox News watchers (64%). The president’s approval rating stands at 86% among Republicans, 30% among Independents and 12% among Democrats.

In the generic congressional ballot, candidates representing the Democratic Party are in first place nationwide with 42%, followed by Republicans with 36%.

The survey also asked Americans who they would vote for in the event of a constitutional amendment that would allow a person to be elected to the office of President of the United States more than twice, with Trump representing the Republican Party and former president Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee.

Obama holds an 11-point lead over Trump across the country (44% to 33%). The level of support for the former president is particularly high among women (47%) and Americans aged 18-to-34 (52%).

Trump fares best among White Americans (41%) and Fox News watchers (55%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 13 to January 15, 2026, among 1,002 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here.

Few Americans Share Trump’s Expansionist Aspirations

January 19, 2026January 16, 2026By Mario Canseco

Only one-in-fourteen Americans think Canada, Greenland or Panama should become American states.

Vancouver, BC [January 19, 2026] – Majorities of Americans would prefer for four nations to remain independent and do not entertain any major changes to their sovereignty, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample asked Americans their preference when thinking about four countries and two territories.

Two thirds of Americans (66%) want Canada to remain an independent nation, while 10% would prefer for it to become a U.S. territory and 7% would declare it an American state.

The results are very similar when Americans ponder Mexico, with just over two thirds (67%) maintaining the status quo of Mexico as an independent nation and fewer opting for the country to become a U.S. territory (10%) or an American state (5%).

Just over half of African Americans (53%) think Mexico should remain an independent country. The proportions are higher among respondents who are White (71%) or Hispanic/Latino (74%).

More than half of Americans (57%) would like to see Cuba remain as an independent nation, while 18% want the island to become a U.S. territory and 4% would prefer to see it as an American state.

When Americans ponder the future of Panama, more than half (54%) think the Central American nation should be independent, while fewer consider making it a U.S. territory (17%) or an American state (7%).

More than half of Americans (56%) believe Greenland—an autonomous territory of Denmark—should retain this status in the future. Fewer than one-in-five (16%) wish to make Greenland a U.S. territory, while just one-in-fourteen (7%) would welcome it as an American state.

“More than one-in-four Americans who voted for Donald Trump in 2024 (27%) are in favour of turning Greenland into a U.S. territory,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only one-in-ten Americans who cast a ballot for Kamala Harris (10%) share this view.”

Perceptions are more nuanced when Americans are asked about Puerto Rico. More than two-in-five respondents (43%) would prefer for the Caribbean island to maintain its current status as a U.S. territory, while 24% would like to see it as an independent nation and 17% would choose to make it an American state.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here.

Importance of Religion Stagnant in Canada, Rising in the U.S.

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025By Mario Canseco

British Columbia stands out as the Canadian province with the largest proportion of agnostic, atheist or irreligious residents.

Vancouver, BC [December 25, 2025] – Americans are significantly more likely than Canadians to look at religion as a “very important” aspect of their lives, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 44% of Americans and 25% of Canadians say religion is “very important” to them personally. The results outline a four-point increase in the United States and a one-point decrease in Canada since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in 2024.

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (74%, -2) and Americans (78%, +4) say family is “very important” to them on a personal level.

In the United States, more than half of respondents deem other two aspects as “very important” this year: friends (54%, -2) and country (53%, -1). Smaller proportions of Americans express the same views on career (37%, -4) and affluence (15%, -6).

In Canada, friends are ranked as a “very important” aspect by more than half of respondents (56%, +5). The results are lower for country (46%, -1), career (36%, -2) and affluence (14%, -1).

In the United States, members of Generation X are the least likely to consider religion as “very important” (38%). The numbers are larger for Millennials (43%), Generation Z (also 43%) and Baby Boomers (49%).

In Canada, fewer than three-in-ten members of all four generations consider religion as “very important”: 23% for Baby Boomers. 24% for Generation X, 26% for Millennials and 25% for Generation Z.

As was the case last year, Americans are more likely to describe themselves as “very spiritual” or “moderately spiritual” (69%, -1) than their Canadian counterparts (56%, -1).

Two thirds of Americans (66%, +1) and half of Canadians (50%, -1) say their religious faith is Christian. Just over a third of Canadians (34%, +2) and just over one-in-four Americans (21%, -2) say they profess no faith, or describe themselves as atheist of agnostic.

British Columbia has the largest proportion of atheist, agnostic or non-religious residents across Canada (47%), followed by Atlantic Canada (36%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (33%), Quebec (32%), Alberta (31%) and Ontario (30%).

Just under three-in-ten Canadians (29%, -5) never attend religious gatherings, while a smaller proportion (22%, -1) visit a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week.

In the United States, almost a third of Americans (32%, =) go to a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week, while one-in-five (20%, -7) never do.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 21 to November 23, 2025, among 1,002 adults in Canada and 1,001 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in each country. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, for each country.

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Americans “Turn to God” More Often Than Canadians

December 11, 2025December 24, 2025By Mario Canseco

Deaths and health setbacks are more likely to move people in each country towards faith and spirituality.

Vancouver, BC [December 11, 2025] – Americans are significantly more likely than Canadians to be drawn to faith and spirituality when facing challenges in their lives, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of representative national samples asked Canadians and Americans if they sought faith and spirituality “more than usual” when going through eight different experiences.

More than seven-in-ten Americans (71%) and just under three-in-five Canadians (59%) say they became more in tune with faith and spirituality after the loss of a loved one.

Majorities of respondents in the two countries (64% in the United States and 53% in Canada) sought faith and spirituality when they experienced an unexpected health setback.

At least half of Americans became more in tune with faith and spirituality when they encountered financial problems (55%), after the birth of a loved one (53%) or when experiencing career-related setbacks, such as failing to get admission to a university, losing a job or not being hired after an interview (50%).

In Canada, about two-in-five respondents acknowledged becoming more in tune with faith and spirituality on account of the birth of a loved one (42%), financial problems (41%) or career-related setbacks (38%).

While almost half of Americans (46%) turned to faith and spirituality upon the end of a relationship, only 36% of Canadians followed the same course of action when going through a break-up, separation or divorce.

“Only 33% of Canadian men and 41% of American men looked more closely at faith and spirituality after a break-up,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions rise to 40% among Canadian women and to 51% among American women.”

Fewer Americans and Canadians sought faith and spirituality during the COVID-19 pandemic (44% in the U.S. and 32% in Canada) or after the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States (35% in the U.S. and 20% in Canada).

Just under a third of Republicans in the United States (32%) became more in tune with faith and spirituality after Trump’s re-election, compared to 35% of Independents and 41% of Democrats.

In Canada, similar proportions of people who voted for the Liberal Party (21%), the Conservative Party (20%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (19%) in the 2025 federal election sought faith and spirituality after Trump’s victory.

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Similar Views on Animals in Canada and the United States

December 4, 2025December 5, 2025By Mario Canseco

Vancouver, BC [December 4, 2025] – Few residents of Canada and the United States voice support for two practices related to animals, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, only 19% of Americans (-6 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2020) and 16% of Canadians (-1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2024) are in favour of killing animals for their fur.

“There is a significant gender gap when it comes to killing animals for their fur in the Canada and the United States,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 25% of American men and 22% of Canadian men see no problem with this practice, only 12% of women in each of the two countries feel the same way.”

On a regional basis, acceptance of killing animals for their fur in Canada is highest in Atlantic Canada (22%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 22%), followed by British Columbia (17%), Ontario (16%), Quebec (15%) and Alberta (13%).

In the United States, the results on this question are steady across all four census regions: South (20%), West (19%), Northeast (18%) and Midwest (17%).

In Canada, similar proportions of respondents of four different ethnicities are in favour of killing animals for their fur: Indigenous (17%), East Asian (16%), European (also 16%) and South Asian (14%).

Just under one-in-four African Americans (24%) are in favour of killing animals for their fur. The proportions are lower among respondents in the United States who are white (18%) or Hispanic (14%).

There are two issues where there is a sizeable difference between the two countries.

The use of animals in rodeos is endorsed by 41% of Americans (-5) and 25% of Canadians (-1).

More than half of Americans who identify as Republicans (56%) are in favour of using animals in rodeos, compared to 39% among Independents and 32% among Democrats.

In Canada, just over a third of people who voted for the Conservative Party in this year’s federal election (34%) see no problem with using animals in rodeos. The proportions are lower among those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (22%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (15%).

While more than half of Americans (52%, -12) favour keeping animals in zoos and aquariums, only 34% of Canadians (-2) concur.

Once again, political allegiance plays a role in public perceptions. More than three-in-five Republicans (63%) are in favour of keeping animals in zoos and aquariums, compared to just under half of Democrats (48%) and Independents (47%).

In Canada, support for keeping animals in zoos and aquariums is highest among Conservative voters (38%), followed by Liberals (33%) and New Democrats (25%).

Just over one-in-five Americans (21%, -4) are in favour of hunting animals for sport, compared to only 12% (+1) of Canadians.

Republicans in the United States are more likely to voice support for hunting animals for sport (30%) than Independents (19%) or Democrats (16%). The political fluctuations are not as deep in Canada, with similar proportions of residents who voted for the Conservatives (14%), the Liberals (11%) and the New Democrats this year (also 11%) being in favour of trophy hunting.

The views of residents are significantly different on hunting animals for meat, with three-in-five Canadians (60%, =) and two thirds of Americans (66%, -1) favouring this practice.

American men (75%) and Canadian men (67%) are more supportive of hunting animals for meat than American women (56%) and Canadian women (55%).

Almost seven-in-ten respondents in the two countries (69% each) are in favour of eating animals. In each country, the proportion of supporters is highest among residents aged 55 and over (72% in Canada and 73% in the United States).

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Spanberger Clearly Ahead in Virginia’s Gubernatorial Election

November 3, 2025November 3, 2025By Mario Canseco

In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill is ahead of Republican Jack Ciattarelli.

Vancouver, BC [November 3, 2025] – The candidates for the Democratic Party head to tomorrow’s gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey in different circumstances, according to two new polls conducted by Research Co. in Virginia and New Jersey.

The surveys of voters who have already cast their ballot in the elections or plan to do so tomorrow show a significant advantage for the Democrats in the Old Dominion State, and a closer race in the Garden State.

Virginia

Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe in the 2021 gubernatorial race in Virginia (51% to 49%). The Old Dominion State does not allow incumbent governors to serve consecutive terms.

More than half of decided voters in Virginia (54%) would back Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger in this year’s gubernatorial election, while 46% would cast a ballot for Republican contender Winsome Earle-Sears.

Earle-Sears has her best showing among decided voters aged 18-to-34 (53% to 47%), while Spanberger is ahead among decided voters aged 35-to-54 (58% to 42%) and aged 55 and over (55% to 45%).

About one-in-six decided voters who supported the GOP’s Youngkin in 2021 (15%) are backing Spanberger in 2025.

New Jersey

In the 2021 New Jersey gubernatorial election, incumbent Democratic Party governor Phil Murphy defeated Republican Party candidate Jack Ciattarelli (51% to 48%). The Garden State has a two consecutive term limit for governors.

The 2025 gubernatorial race in New Jersey is very similar to the previous one, with Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill holding a three-point edge over Republican Ciattarelli among decided voters (51% to 48%), with 1% going to Libertarian candidate Vic Kaplan.

Ciattarelli does particularly well with decided voters aged 55 and over (57% to 43%), while Sherrill holds the upper hand with decided voters aged 35-to-54 (52% to 46%) and aged 18-to-34 (58% to 41%).

More than half of decided voters who are Independent (54%) would support Sherrill tomorrow, while 43% would back Ciattarelli and 3% would support Kaplan.

Methodology: Results are based on online studies conducted on November 2 and November 3, 2025, among representative samples of 450 likely voters in two American states: New Jersey and Virginia. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age and gender in each state. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.6 percentage points for each state.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here.

Generational Split on Communications Evident in Canada and U.S.

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025By Mario Canseco

About three-in-ten people aged 18-to-34 in each country would prefer to break up with a person without an in-person meeting.

Vancouver, BC [September 8, 2025] – The preferred modes of communication for Canadians and Americans vary greatly with age and gender, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, roughly half of Americans (50%) and Canadians (48%) say they feel anxious when they have to make a phone call to a person they do not know.

Fewer than two-in-five Canadians and Americans aged 55 and over (35% and 38% respectively) express anxiety upon the prospect of a telephone conversation with a stranger. The proportions are markedly higher among Canadians and Americans aged 35-to-54 (53% and 57% respectively) and aged 18-to-34 (58% and 57% respectively).

Canadians (51%) are more likely than Americans (43%) to find text messages or emails impersonal.

Only 39% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 feel text messages and emails are an impersonal form of communication. The proportion is higher among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (43%) and aged 55 and over (46%).

In the United States, the trend is similar. Americans aged 55 and over are more likely to find text messages or emails impersonal (56%) than those aged 35-to-54 (49%) and aged 18-to-34 (47%).

Americans (54%) are more likely than Canadians (47%) to say they would have no problem giving a speech in front of other people.

Fewer than half of Canadian and American women (40% and 43%) express confidence in successfully addressing an audience. Most men claim they would have no problem doing this (54% in Canada and 64% in the United States).

At least seven-in-ten Canadians and Americans believe two tasks that require communication need to be performed in person: ending a relationship (78% in Canada and 79% in the United States) and quitting a job (70% in Canada and 74% in the United States).

“Just over one-in-five Canadians (22%) and Americans (21%) would prefer to break up with a person by phone, text message, email or app,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “These proportions rise among those aged 18-to-34 (29% in Canada and 32% in the United States).

Americans rely at roughly the same rate on apps (39%) and telephone calls (34%) to order food delivery to their home. Canadians are more likely to use an app (47%) than to place a phone call (33%) to a restaurant.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (41%) would make a phone call to ask a question to their bank, while fewer would show up in person (32%). The results are similar in the United States, with 43% of Americans preferring a phone call and 37% preferring to complete this task in person.

The results differ greatly by country on the preferred way to ask a question to a municipality or City Hall. Canadians are more likely to send an email (35%) or make a phone call (33%) than to show up in person (21%). Americans are evenly split on using the phone (36%) or showing up in person (34%), with significantly fewer (19%) preferring an email.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 30 to July 2, 2025, among 1,001 adults in Canada and 1,000 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in each country. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, for each country.

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Majorities in Canada and USA Endorse Political Correctness

July 17, 2025July 16, 2025By Mario Canseco

Re-dubbing movies and printing new editions of books to remove “offensive” words gets a thumbs down in both countries.

Vancouver, BC [July 17, 2025] – Public support for the concept of “political correctness” is on the rise in both Canada and the United States, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 59% of Canadians and 53% of Americans are in favour of relying on “political correctness” in their respective countries.

The term “political correctness” has been used to describe language and/or behaviour that seeks to minimize possible offenses to racial, cultural and gender identity groups, among others.

“The trendline for political correctness is clear in Canada, jumping from 50% in 2020 to 55% in 2022 and to 59% in 2025,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In the United States, we are back at the proportion first observed in 2020 (53%), after a severe decline in 2022 (45%).”

Hostility towards “political correctness” reaches 48% among Americans aged 55 and over, but stands at 30% among their Canadian counterparts.

Politically, 44% of Independents and 43% of Republicans in the United States reject the concept of “political correctness”, along with 45% Canadians who voted for the Conservative Paty in the 2025 federal election.

More than half of Canadians (56%, +1) and Americans (58%, +7) reject printing new editions of books that remove words that may be deemed offensive to a specific race or ethnicity.

Opposition is similar to re-dubbing movies to remove words that may be deemed offensive to a specific race or ethnicity, with most Canadians (55%, -1) and Americans (57%, -7) decrying the practice.

Conversely, more than three-in-five Americans (63%, +4) and Canadians (62%, -8) think it is a good idea to add a disclaimer to explain that programs or movies are presented “as originally created” and “may contain outdated cultural depictions.”

One third of Canadians (33%, -1) say they always act “politically correct” because it’s the right thing to do. A larger proportion (43%, +3) claims to sometimes act “politically correct” because it’s the safe thing to do, while just 11% (=) do not act “politically correct” because it’s the wrong thing to do.

In the United States, a third of Americans (34%, +10) claim to always act “politically correct”, while a similar proportion (35%, -6) sometimes act “politically correct” and fewer than one-in-five (17%, -3) say they do not act “politically correct”.

About a third of Americans (37%) and Canadians (33%) believe comedians should “always” or “most of the time” behave in a “politically correct” way.

More than three-in-five residents in each of the two countries believe three groups in society should act in a “politically correct” manner “always” or “most of the time”: teachers (69% in Canada and 71% in the U.S.), politicians (67% in Canada and 66% in the U.S.) and journalists (62% in Canada and 64% in the U.S.).

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Dissatisfaction with Political Freedom Rises in Canada, Drops in U.S.

April 17, 2025April 12, 2025By Mario Canseco

A third of Americans and a quarter of Canadians disagree with other people “many times” when discussing national politics.

Vancouver, BC [April 17, 2025] – While residents of the United States remain more upset when analyzing political freedom, the proportion of Canadians who appear dissatisfied has grown markedly since 2022, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 51% of Canadians (up 12 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2022) feel their freedoms are under attack by elected politicians—a view shared by 69% of Americans (down four points).

Almost two-in-five Canadians (38%, +6) say they cannot express their political views sometimes because they fear reprisals. In the United States, 45% of Americans (-4) feel the same way.

The proportion of Canadians who think the federal government is oppressive and controlling jumped from 41% in 2022 to 46% in 2025. More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, +7) feel that their vote in federal elections does not make a difference.

In the United States, perceptions of the federal government being oppressive and controlling increased from 62% in 2022 to 64% in 2025. Fewer than half of Americans (46%, -6) think their vote in federal elections does not make a difference.

More than a third of Canadians report a decline in four situations over the past 10 years: the ability of people to disagree with each other on social media (45%), the ability of people to disagree with each other in conversation (40%), the ability of people to convince others about looking at an issue differently (36%) and the ability of people to question stories they learn about in the media (35%).

Practically half of Americans believe two situations are worse now than a decade ago: the ability of people to disagree with each other in conversation (49%) and the ability of people to disagree with each other on social media (48%). Slightly fewer think two other scenarios have worsened: the ability of people to convince others about looking at an issue differently (44%) and the ability of people to question stories they learn about in the media (39%).

Respondents in the two countries were asked how often they find themselves disagreeing with other people about specific issues.

In Canada, more than one-in-five Canadians disagree with others “many times” when discussing federal politics (26%), provincial politics (24%), international politics (also 24%), COVID-19 mandates and vaccines (also 24%), immigration (also 24%), religion (23%) and morality (21%). The proportions are lower for discussions about municipal politics (19%), sports (16%), Indigenous issues (15%) and arts and entertainment (12%).

In the United States, more than one-in-five Americans disagree with others “many times” when discussing national politics (32%), immigration (27%), COVID-19 mandates and vaccines (26%), local politics (23%), religion (also 23%), morality (also 23%) state politics (22%), sports (21%) and international politics (20%). Fewer express the same view about discussions related to arts and entertainment (14%) and Native American issues (also 14%).

Canadians are more likely to have stopped talking to a person, or avoided a person, on account of a disagreement related to COVID-19 mandates and vaccines (29%) than about religion (25%), morality (24%), federal politics (24%) or immigration (23%). Fewer Canadians have taken this course of action after a disagreement related to international politics (22%), provincial politics (21%), municipal politics (21%), Indigenous issues (17%), sports (16%) or arts and entertainment (14%).

At least one-in-four Americans have stopped talking to a person, or avoided a person, on account of a disagreement related to national politics (30%), morality (29%), religion (28%) or COVID-19 mandates and vaccines (25%). Fewer have taken this step after disagreements related to immigration (24%), state politics (23%), local politics (23%), international politics (21%), sports (19%), arts and entertainment (16%) or Native American issues (15%).

“More than a third of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (35%) and Americans aged 18-to-34 (36%) have effectively ended a friendship over disagreements related to national politics,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 55 and over in both the United States (24%) and Canada (17%).”

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on March 23 and March 24, 2025, among 1,003 adults in Canada, and an online survey conducted from March 23 to March 25, 2025, among 1,000 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada and the United States. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty, for each country.

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Litterers, Careless Pet Owners Cause Anger in Canada and the U.S.

February 6, 2025February 6, 2025By Mario Canseco

Americans are decidedly more upset over issues related to bicycles, while Canadians are more irritated by smokers.

Vancouver, BC [February 6, 2025] – While most Canadians and Americans believe the residents of their municipalities and cities follow existing laws and by-laws, specific actions are bound to infuriate them, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, more than seven-in-ten Canadians say five behaviours make them “very upset” or “moderately upset”: not picking up dog waste (84%), using a hand-held cell phone when driving (81%), littering (79%), throwing cigarette butts on the ground (78%), parking in a handicapped spot without a decal (74%) and speeding on a municipal road or street (71%).

About two thirds of Canadians are irritated when they see people not wearing a seatbelt when driving a car or riding in a car (69%) or when they see an individual smoking in a patio, or near doorways, open windows, or air intakes (65%).

Fewer than two in five Canadians become upset by five other behaviours: people riding bicycles without a helmet (39%), riding bicycles on the sidewalk (37%), watering the lawn outside permitted hours (37%), downloading or streaming copyrighted material for free (33%) and jaywalking (31%).

In the United States, more than seven in ten Americans become irritated when they witness four behaviours: littering (79%), not picking up dog waste (77%), parking in a handicapped spot without a decal (73%) and using a hand-held cell phone when driving (71%).

Majorities of Americans also become upset when they see a driver speeding on a municipal road or street (66%), a person throwing cigarette butts on the ground (65%) or someone not wearing a seatbelt when driving a car or riding in a car (57%).

Fewer than half of Americans are irritated after witnessing people smoking in a patio, or near doorways, open windows, or air intakes (48%), riding bicycles without a helmet (29%), riding bicycles on the sidewalk (27%), watering the lawn outside permitted hours (25%), downloading or streaming copyrighted material for free (34%) and jaywalking (27%).

“Americans are not as upset as Canadians when witnessing smokers lighting up too close to non-smokers or discarding their cigarettes anywhere they please,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Conversely, Canadians are significantly angrier than Americans when cyclists ride without proper head protection.”

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (73%) and Americans (76%) believe most of their city’s residents law-abiding.

More than four-in-five British Columbians (83%) say most residents of their municipality follow the law. The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (76%), Ontario (75%), Atlantic Canada (also 75%), Alberta (67%) and Quebec (65%).

In the United States, almost four-in-five residents of the West (79%) think most residents of their city are law-abiding. The proportions drop the Midwest (75%), the South (73%) and the Northeast (71%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 22 to January 24, 2025, among 1,000 adults in Canada and 1,001 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in each country. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty, in each country.

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Negative Views on Illegal Immigration Increase in United States

January 27, 2025January 26, 2025By Mario Canseco

The perception of illegal immigrants “taking jobs away from American workers” has increased by 12 points since 2020.

Vancouver, BC [January 27, 2025] – Practically half of Americans hold unfavourable views on immigration, and a majority believe illegal immigrants are detrimental to American workers, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost half of Americans (49%) think immigration is having a mostly negative effect in the United States, up 13 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2020.

Americans aged 18-to-34 are more likely to hold unfavourable views on the effect of immigration (50%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (42%) and aged 55 and over (26%).

One-in-four Americans (25%, +1) think the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in the United States should increase, while three-in-ten (30%, +1) would prefer to see a decrease and 37% (-5) want the number to remain the same.

More than half of Americans (52%, +12) say the illegal immigrants in the United States take jobs away from American workers, while fewer than two-in-five (38%, -8) say they are employed in jobs that American workers do not want.

“Just over three-in-four Republicans (75%) and more than half of Independents (51%) believe illegal immigrants in the United States take jobs away from American workers,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 32% of Democrats share this view.”

Just over three-in-ten Americans (31%, +8) think the illegal immigrants who are currently working in the United States should be required to leave their jobs and be deported. One-in-five (21%, +2) would allow illegal immigrants to work on a temporary basis, but without a “path to citizenship”.

The proportion of Americans who would allow illegal immigrants to stay in the United States and eventually apply for citizenship fell from 49% in December 2020 to 38% in January 2025.

Most Democrats (56%) prefer the “path to citizenship” route to handle illegal immigration, while most Republicans (51%) are supportive of deportation. Independents are evenly split when assessing these options (34% for each).

Americans of Latino/Hispanic descent and African Americans are more likely to support a “path to citizenship” for illegal immigrants (50% and 47% respectively) than White Americans (34%).

Deportation is the desired course of action for Americans who get their news on a local network (41%) or on Fox News (35%). Those who watch CNN or MSNBC/CNBC are more likely to express support for the “path to citizenship” (47% and 55% respectively).

President Donald Trump begins is second term in office with an approval rating of 50%. Trump’s numbers are particularly high among Republicans (85%), Fox News watchers (67%), Americans aged 18-to-34 (60%) and White Americans (58%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 22 to January 24, 2025, among 1,001 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and here, and download the press release here.

Career is Becoming a Priority for Canadians and Americans

January 6, 2025January 5, 2025By Mario Canseco

While 54% of Americans say country is “very important” to them personally, only 47% of Canadians concur.

Vancouver, BC [January 6, 2025] – The perceptions of Canadians and Americans on specific features of life have shifted over the past couple of years, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 76% of Canadians and 74% of Americans say family is “very important” to them personally. This represents a three-point increase in Canada since 2023 and a three-point drop in the United States since 2022.

More than half of Canadians (51%, +2) say friends are “very important” to them. The proportions are lower for country (47%, +2), career (38%, +6), religion (26%, +1) and affluence (15%, +2).

In the United States, majorities of residents consider friends (56%, +1) and country (54%, +3) as “very important”. Fewer Americans feel the same way about career (41%, +1), religion (40%, +2) and affluence (21%, +9).

Just over two-in-five Americans aged 55 and over (43%) say religion is “very important” to them. The numbers are significantly lower among Canadians aged 55 and over (22%).

“In 2020 and 2021, only 29% of Canadians said career was very important to them,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion in 2024 is nine points higher.”

Fewer than three-in-five Canadians (57%, +2) describe themselves as “very spiritual” or “moderately spiritual.” In the United States, seven-in-ten residents (70%, +3) feel this way.

More than half of Canadians (51%, +2) and almost two thirds of Americans (65%, +2) describe their religious faith as Christian. Just under a third of Canadians (32%, -2) and fewer than one-in-four Americans (23%, -2) say they are atheist, agnostic or have no religious faith.

The Canadian province with the largest proportion of atheist, agnostic or non-religious residents is British Columbia (45%, +4). In the United States, residents of the Midwest are more likely to not have a specific religious faith (31%, +4) than their counterparts in the remaining census regions.

Just over one third of Canadians (34%, +4) say they never attend religious gatherings, while 23% (+1) go to a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week.

In the United States, almost a third of Americans (32%, +9) go to a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week, while more than one-in-four (27%, =) never do.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 8 to November 10, 2024, among 1,000 adults in Canada and 1,001 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in each country. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, for each country.

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Almost Half in Canada and USA See Trump Followers as “Cult”

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024By Mario Canseco

Residents of both countries are less critical when assessing people who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Vancouver, BC [December 4, 2024] – A significant proportion of Canadians and Americans hold a particularly negative view of followers of Donald Trump and the Republican Party, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, respondents in Canada and the United States were asked if it is far or unfair to refer to followers of specific people, parties and ideas as a cult.

A cult is often defined as a group which is typically led by a charismatic leader, who tightly controls its members, requiring unwavering devotion to a set of beliefs and practices which are considered outside the norms of society.

Almost half of Canadians (47%) and Americans (46%) think it is fair to refer to followers of the Republican Party and Donald Trump as a cult.

Half of Canadians aged 55 and over (50%) can describe followers of Trump and the Republicans as a cult. The numbers are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (42%) and aged 18-to-34 (48%).

In the United States, respondents aged 55 and over are less likely to believe it is warranted for followers of Trump and the Republicans to be thought of as a cult (42%) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (48%) and aged 35-to-54 (49%).

“Americans who describe themselves as Democrats (76%) and Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Paty (NDP) in 2021 (63% and 54% respectively) think it is fair to refer to followers of Trump and the Republicans as a cult,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among Republicans in the United States (41%) and Conservatives in Canada (40%).”

At least two-in-five Canadians (40%) and Americans (42%) think it is warranted to refer to people who participated in the protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic as a cult. Slightly smaller proportions of Canadians and Americans (36% and 39% respectively) feel the same way about people who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

While 37% of Americans believe it is fair to refer to followers of the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris in the United States as a cult, the proportion drops to 30% in Canada. The results are similar for followers of Robert Kennedy Jr. in the United States (38% in the United States and 29% in Canada).

In Canada, at least a third of respondents believe it is warranted to refer to followers of the Conservative Party and Pierre Poilievre (35%) and followers of the Liberal Party and Justin Trudeau (33%) as cults, The proportions are lower for followers of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Jagmeet Singh (31%), followers of the People’s Party and Maxime Bernier (also 31%) and followers of the Green Party and Elizabeth May in Canada (26%).

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Canadians and Americans Clearly at Odds on Climate Change

November 20, 2024November 19, 2024By Mario Canseco

Residents of the United States are less likely to describe the current situation as a “major crisis” than their Canadian counterparts.

Vancouver, BC [November 20, 2024] – While just over three-in-five Canadians believe climate change is real and caused by human activity, the proportion of Americans who feel the same way has dwindled over the past two years, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 61% of Canadians say climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities, up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2023.

In the United States, just over half of residents (51%, -9 since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in August 2022) believe global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities.

About a quarter of Americans and Canadians (27% and 25% respectively) think climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes, while smaller proportions (12% in the United States and 10% in Canada) say global warming is a theory that has not been proven.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, =) describe climate change as a “major crisis”, compared to 55% of Americans (-5).

Fewer respondents in the two countries refer to global warming as a “minor crisis” (23% in the United States and 24% in Canada) or “not a crisis at all” (13% in the United States, 9% in Canada).

Americans who voted for Republican Party presidential nominee Donald Trump in 2024 are significantly more likely to say climate change is “not a crisis at all” (25%) than those who cast ballots for Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party (3%).

In Canada, fewer than one-in-twenty Canadians who supported the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election (4% and 3% respectively) think climate change is “not a crisis at all”. Among those who voted for Conservative Party candidates, the proportion rises to 21%.

Majorities of Canadians and Americans believe three entities should be doing more to deal with issues related to climate change that are happening or impacting people directly now: companies and corporations (71% in Canada and 63% in the United States), governments (64% in Canada and 62% in the United States) and individuals and consumers (55% in Canada and 58% in the United States).

The results are similar when Canadians and Americans are asked about issues related to climate change that may happen or impact people directly in the future. Majorities believe governments (69% in Canada and 63% in the United States), companies and corporations (68% in Canada and 63% in the United States) and consumers (57% in Canada and 58% in the United States) should be more active.

A final question asked Canadians and Americans about their willingness to pay higher taxes to adequately address seven issues.

More than half of Americans (55%) say they would be willing to pay higher taxes to deal with climate change. This includes three-in-four Democrats (76%), but significantly fewer Independents (45%) and Republicans (42%).

More than half of Americans expressed a willingness to pay higher taxes to adequately address schools (66%), homelessness (62%), floods (57%), forest fires (56%), housing improvements (54%) and transit improvements (51%).

In Canada, 55% of respondents are also willing to pay more to deal with global warming. More than three-in-four Canadians who voted for the Liberals or the NDP In 2021 (66% and 64% respectively) agree on this issue, but only 45% of Conservative supporters concur.

Compared to Americans, Canadians are more reticent about paying higher taxes to adequately address schools (56%), forest fires (54%), housing improvements (53%), homelessness (53%), floods (52%) and transit improvements (47%).

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Americans Staunchly Divided in Close Presidential Race

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024By Mario Canseco

Similar proportions of likely voters say they will be “upset” if either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump win the contest.

Vancouver, BC [November 4, 2024] – The race for the White House is in a statistical tie at the national level, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of likely voters in the United States, 50% of decided voters (-2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in early October) would support Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris or have already voted for her, while 48% (+1) would cast a ballot for Donald Trump of the Republican Party.

Trump leads Harris among male decided voters (54% to 44%), while Harris is ahead of Trump among female decided voters (56% to 42%).

The Democratic nominee remains ahead in the Northeast (57% to 41%) and the West (56% to 41%). The Republican contender holds the upper hand in the South (53% to 46%) and the Midwest (51% to 47%).

Harris remains the preferred candidate for decided voters who are African American (75%) or Hispanic / Latino (60%), while Trump is the first choice for white decided voters (57%).

“Whoever emerges victorious in the American presidential election will inherit an extremely polarized electorate,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Significant proportions of Americans claim they will be very upset if Trump (50%) or Harris (49%) win the election.”

The main motivator for American decided voters is the presidential candidate’s ideas and policies (40%), followed by the candidate’s political party (21%), a desire for change (18%), a desire for stability (14%) and disgust with other contenders (10%).

Across the United States, 47% of likely voters expect a clear or close win for Harris in the presidential election, while 42% believe Trump will experience a clear or close win.

Just over two-in-five American likely voters (41%) expect to witness the winning candidate declare victory on Election Night (Nov. 5), but only 25% foresee a concession speech from the defeated candidate on that same night.

American likely voters were asked which of the two main presidential nominees is best suited to manage 13 different issues.

Trump holds the upper hand over Harris on five issues: immigration (50% to 40%), national defense (50% to 40%), energy and oil (48% to 40%), the economy (48% to 44%) and foreign policy (47% to 42%).

Harris is ahead of Trump on four issues: health care (52% to 37%), the environment (51% to 35%), race relations (51% to 35%) and education (51% to 37%).

The two candidates are tied or virtually tied on four other issues: job creation (Harris 45%, Trump 45%), government accountability (Harris 44%, Trump 43%), managing the deficit (Trump 43%, Harris 42%) and crime (Trump 46%, Harris 43%),

President Joe Biden heads to the final stages of his term with an approval rating of 45% (+1). While just over four-in-five Democrats are satisfied with Biden’s performance (81%), the proportions are decidedly lower among Independents (36%) and Republicans (11%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on November 2 and November 3, 2024, among 1,003 likely voters in the United States and 962 decided voters in the 2024 presidential election. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points for likely voters and +/- 3.2 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and here, and download the press release here.

Battleground States Remain Closely Contested in U.S. Race

November 4, 2024November 3, 2024By Mario Canseco

Democrats will win the Senate and Gubernatorial races in Washington; Republicans will achieve the “double” in Missouri.

Vancouver, BC [November 4, 2024] – On the eve of the 2024 United States Presidential Election, new polls conducted by Research Co. point to Republican victories in two states and Democratic wins in six others. In three battleground states, the two candidates remain within the margin of error of each other.

California

The last Republican presidential nominee to carry California was George H. W. Bush in 1988. Democrat Joe Biden defeated Republican Donald Trump in 2020, with 63% of all cast ballots. This year, Kamala Harris holds a 33-point advantage over Trump among decided voters (65% to 32%).

Voters in the Golden State are also set to send Democrat Adam Schiff to the U.S. Senate. Schiff holds commanding leads over Republican Steve Garvey (64% to 36% in the Special Election, and 62% to 38% in the Regular Election).

There is also majority support in California for two propositions that are on the ballot in 2024: Proposition 3 or “Constitutional Right to Marriage” (68%) and Proposition 36 or “Allows Felony Charges and Increases Sentences for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes” (69%).

Florida

In this century, the only Democratic nominee who carried the Sunshine State was Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. Trump won Florida in 2016 with 49% of the vote and in 2020 with 51% of the vote.

This year, Trump is ahead of Harris in Florida (52% to 46%). In the U.S. Senate race, Republican incumbent Rick Scott is ahead of Democratic challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (52% to 45%).

Michigan

In 2016, Trump ended a streak of six consecutive presidential elections where the Great Lakes State was won by Democrats, defeating Hillary Clinton by 10,704 votes in 2016 (47.5% to 47.3%)

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (50.6% to 47.8%) to secure Michigan’s 16 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, on account of reapportionment, Michigan has 15 Electoral Votes.

Harris heads to Election Day with a four-point edge over Trump (51% to 47%). The lead is slightly larger for Democratic candidate Elissa Slotkin against Republican challenger Mike Rogers in the U.S. Senate race (52% to 46%).

Minnesota

No Republican presidential nominee has carried the Great Lakes State since Richard Nixon in 1972. In 2024, Harris leads Trump by eight points (53% to 45%).

In the race for the U.S. Senate, incumbent democrat Amy Klobuchar is significantly ahead of Republican challenger Royce White (57% to 40%).

Missouri

Since 1968, the Democratic nominee for president has won the Show Me State three times: once under Jimmy Carter in 1976 and twice under Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996. This year, Trump holds the upper hand over Harris (56% to 41%).

There is also majority support in Missouri for incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Josh Hawley against Democratic candidate Lucas Kunce (54% to 43%) and for Republican gubernatorial contender Mike Kehoe against Democrat Crystal Quade (56% to 41%).

New Jersey

In 1992, Bill Clinton ended a streak of six consecutive elections in which Republican presidential candidates carried the Garden State. The Democratic nominee has won New Jersey in every presidential election since. This year, Harris is 17 points ahead of Trump (58% to 41%).

In the race to the U.S. Senate, Democratic contender Andy Kim leads Republican candidate Curtis Bashaw (58% to 40%). Longtime U.S. Senator Bob Menendez—who resigned earlier this year following his conviction on charges of bribery, extortion, honest services fraud, obstruction of justice and conspiracy—abandoned his independent bid in August.

New York

In 1984, Ronald Reagan was the last Republican nominee to carry the Empire State in a presidential election. Trump—who was born in New York City—received 37% of the vote in 2016 and 38% of the vote in 2020, losing to Hillary Clinton (59%) and Joe Biden (61%) respectively. This year, Trump trails Harris by a smaller margin heading into Election Day (58% to 42%).

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand holds a significant lead over Republican challenger Mike Sapraicone (64% to 34%).

Pennsylvania

In 2016, Trump became the first Republican nominee to win the Keystone State since George H. W. Bush in 1988, defeating Clinton by 44,292 votes (48.2% to 47.5%).

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (50.0% to 48.8%) to capture Pennsylvania’s 20 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, on account of reapportionment, Pennsylvania has 19 Electoral Votes.

There is no change in the perception of decided voters in Pennsylvania since our look at this race in early October. Harris remains statistically tied with Trump (50% to 49%). The lead is also small for incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. in his race against David McCormick of the Republican Party (50% to 48%).

Virginia

From 1968 to 2004, only Republican presidential candidates won the Old Dominion State. In 2008, Barack Obama began a run of four consecutive presidential ballots in which Virginia has been carried by Democrats. In 2024, Harris appears ready to extend this streak, with a six-point lead over Trump (52% to 46%).

In the U.S. Senate election, incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine is ahead of Republican contender Hung Cao (56% to 44%).

Washington

No Republican presidential nominee has won the Evergreen State since Reagan in 1984. Forty years later, Harris heads to Election Day with a significant lead over Trump (57% to 41%).

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell is ahead of Republican contender Raul Garcia (60% to 40%). Democrat Bob Ferguson leads Republican Dave Reichert in the state’s gubernatorial race (57% to 42%).

Wisconsin

In 2016, Trump became the first Republican nominee to win the Badger State since Ronald Reagan in 1984, defeating Clinton by 22,748 votes 47.2% to 46.5%).

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (49.4% to 48.8%) to win Wisconsin’s 10 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, Wisconsin will continue to have 10 Electoral Votes.

Compared to October, Harris has a larger advantage over Trump (51% to 47%). The U.S. Senate race is closer, with incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin slightly ahead of Republican candidate Eric Hovde (50% to 48%).

Methodology: Results are based on online surveys conducted on November 2 and November 3, 2024, among representative samples of 450 likely voters in 11 American states: California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age and gender in each state. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.6 percentage points for each state.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here.

Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin Lean Blue in 2024 Race

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024By Mario Canseco

Heavy support from female decided voters pushes Kamala Harris ahead of Donald Trump in the three battleground states.

Vancouver, BC [October 8, 2024] – A month before voters in the United States cast their ballots in the presidential election, Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris is slightly ahead of Republican Party contender Donald Trump in three battleground states, according to new polls conducted by Research Co.

The surveys of American likely voters also give the upper hand to the Democratic Party candidates in the elections to the U.S. Senate that will take place in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Michigan

In 2016, Trump ended a streak of six consecutive presidential elections where the Great Lakes State was won by Democrats, defeating Hillary Clinton by 10,704 votes in 2016 (47.5% to 47.3%)

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (50.6% to 47.8%) to secure Michigan’s 16 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, on account of reapportionment, Michigan has 15 Electoral Votes.

This month, Harris holds a three-point lead over Trump among decided voters (51% to 48%), with a particularly high level of support from women (57%) and likely voters aged 55 and over (55%).

In the race to replace retiring U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Democratic Party candidate Elissa Slotkin is ahead of Republican Party contender Mike Rogers (52% to 47%).

Pennsylvania

In 2016, Trump became the first Republican nominee to win the Keystone State since George H. W. Bush in 1988, defeating Clinton by 44,292 votes (48.2% to 47.5%).

This month, Harris is virtually tied with Trump among decided voters (50% to 49%). Trump does better with decided voters aged 35-to-54 (55%), while Harris is ahead among those aged 18-to-34 (55%) and those aged 55 and over (54%).

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Democrat Bob Casey Jr.—first elected in 2006 with 58.7% of the vote, and earning new terms in 2012 with 53.7% and in 2018 with 55.7% of the vote—leads Republican Party challenger David McCormick (51% to 48%).

Wisconsin

In 2016, Trump became the first Republican nominee to win the Badger State since Ronald Reagan in 1984, defeating Clinton by 22,748 votes 47.2% to 46.5%).

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (49.4% to 48.8%) to win Wisconsin’s 10 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, Wisconsin will continue to have 10 Electoral Votes.

This month, Harris is two points ahead of Trump among decided voters (50% to 48%). Practically two thirds of decided female voters (64%) are supporting the Democratic presidential nominee.

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin—first elected in 2012 with 51.4% of the vote and re-elected in 2018 with 55.4%—is ahead of Republican Party contender Eric Hovde (52% to 47%).

“Independent voters in will be crucial in securing a victory for either of the main presidential candidates in Michigan and Wisconsin,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than one-in-five Independents in both Wisconsin (24%) and Michigan (22%) have not made up their minds yet.”

Methodology: Results are based on online surveys conducted from October 5 to October 7, 2024, among representative samples of 450 likely voters in three American states: Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age and gender in each state. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.6 percentage points for each state.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here.

Harris Leads Trump in 2024 United States Nationwide Vote

October 7, 2024November 3, 2024By Mario Canseco

The former president is the top choice for male voters, while women are more supportive of the current vice president.

Vancouver, BC [October 7, 2024] – Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris holds the upper hand over Republican Party nominee Donald Trump in the American presidential election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of likely voters in the United States, 52% of decided voters would support the current vice president or have already voted for her, while 47% would back the former president.

“Harris holds a 15-point lead over Trump among female decided voters (57% to 42%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Trump is ahead of Harris among male voters (52% to 47%).”

On a regional basis, Harris holds sizeable leads over Trump in the West (58% to 40%) and the Northeast (55% to 43%). Trump is first in the South (51% to 48%) while the two candidates are virtually tied in the Midwest (Harris 50%, Trump 49%).

Only 5% of decided voters say they could change their mind and support a different candidate in the presidential election. The proportion of undecided likely voters with four weeks to go in the campaign is 4%.

More than half of white decided voters (54%) would cast a ballot for Trump or have already done so. Harris leads among decided voters who are African American (71%) or Hispanic / Latino (61%).

Harris is the top choice for American decided voters who get their news from MSNBC / CNBC (81%), CNN (67%) or a local network (53%), while Trump is ahead among those who watch Fox News (68%).

Harris holds a five-point lead over Trump among decided voters who have a cat in their household (52% to 47%). The race is closer among decided voters who have a dog at home (Harris 50%, Trump 49%).

Decided voters in the United States cite the presidential candidate’s ideas and policies (43%) as the main reason behind their choice, followed by the candidate’s political party (24%), desire for stability (14%), desire for change (also 14%) and disgust with other candidates (8%).

These findings are very similar among decided voters who are backing either Harris or Trump, with one exception. While 10% of Harris voters say their main motivator is “disgust with other candidates”, the proportion is lower (5%) among Trump voters.

American likely voters were asked which of the two main presidential candidates is best suited to deal with 13 different issues.

Harris holds the upper hand over Trump on five issues: health care (52% to 36%), education (52% to 36%), the environment (52% to 35%), race relations (50% to 35%) and government accountability (47% to 41%). Trump leads Harris on two issues: immigration (50% to 39%) and national defence (48% to 41%).

The two nominees are virtually tied on six other issues: the economy (Harris 47%, Trump 45%), job creation (Harris 47%, Trump 44%), crime (Trump 45%, Harris 44%), foreign Policy (Trump 45%, Harris 43%), energy and oil (Trump 45%, Harris 43%) and managing the deficit (Trump 44%, Harris 41%).

The approval rating for U.S. President Joe Biden stands at 44% nationwide. Democrats are significantly more likely to express satisfaction with Biden’s performance at this moment (82%) than Independents (34%) or Republicans (13%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 4 to October 6, 2024, among 1,001 likely voters in the United States and 926 decided voters in the 2024 presidential election. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points for likely voters and +/- 3.2 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and here, and download the press release here.

Spirituality Rises in Canada and Drops in the United States

December 7, 2022December 9, 2022By Mario Canseco

Americans are more likely to say that religion is “very important” for them personally (38%) than Canadians (25%).

Vancouver, BC [December 6, 2022] – The perceptions of Canadians and Americans on religion have changed slightly over the past couple of years, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, one-in-four Canadians (25%) say religion is “very important” to them personally, up three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2021.

Fewer than two-in-five Americans (38%) say religion is “very important” to them personally, down 10 points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in November 2020.

In Canada, only affluence (14%, +3) is ranked lower than religion among six different components of life. The rating is considerably higher for career (36%, +7), country (47%, +3), friends (60%, +6) and family (81%, +3).

In the United States, two items are ranked lower than religion: affluence (12%, -9) and career (31%, -9). The numbers are higher for country (51%, -11), friends (55%, +1) and family (77%, -2).

“On religion, there is a pronounced generational gap in the United States,” says Mario Canseco. “Only 28% of Americans aged 18-to-34 acknowledge that religion is very important to them, compared to 40% of those aged 35-to-45 and 42% of those aged 55 and over.”

In Canada, fewer than three-in-ten Canadians aged 18-to-34 (27%), aged 35-to-54 (25%) and aged 55 and over (22%) say religion is “very important” for them personally.

Two thirds of Americans (66%, -7) consider themselves as “very spiritual” or “moderately spiritual”. In Canada, 53% of respondents (+4) feel the same way.

Compared to 2021, there is a slight drop in the proportion of Canadians who describe their religion as Christian (48%, -2) and an increase in those who say they are atheist, agnostic or profess no religion (37%, +3).

In the United States, the proportion of self-described Christians fell by seven points since 2020 (from 70% to 63%), while the number of respondents who are atheist, agnostic or have no religion increased by six points (from 19% to 25%).

About a third of Canadians (32%, -1) never attend religious gatherings, while two-in-five (40%, +4) only do so for special events, such as weddings, funerals or baptisms. Only 15% of Canadians (-1) attend a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week.

About a quarter of Americans (23%, -15) attend a religious gathering at least once a week. There are sizeable increases in the proportions of Americans who never go to church (27%, +7) or who only do so in special occasions (29%, +8).

Methodology: Results are based on online studies conducted from November 26 to November 28, 2022, among representative samples of 1,000 adults Canada and the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian and U.S. census figures for age, gender and region in each country. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points for each country.

Find our data tables for Canada here, the data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Florida and Ohio Are Red States in U.S. Midterm Election

November 7, 2022November 9, 2022By Mario Canseco

Democratic incumbents in Illinois and New York head to Election Day with significant leads.

Vancouver, BC [November 7, 2022] – The U.S. Senate contests in the states of Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania are remarkably close on the eve of the midterm election in the United States, according to a series of new polls conducted by Research Co. in ten American states.

The surveys of Americans who have already participated in the democratic process or plan to do so tomorrow also show Republican candidates dominating the Senate and Governor’s races in Florida and Ohio, and their Democratic counterparts with healthy leads in California, Illinois and New York

Arizona

In 2020, Democrat Mark Kelly defeated Republican Martha McSally in a U.S. Senate special election with 51,2% of the vote. In this month’s contest, Kelly holds a four-point lead over GOP challenger Blake Masters (51% to 47%), with Libertarian Marc Victor at 2%.

In the Grand Canyon State’s gubernatorial election, Republican Kari Lake has a two-point edge over Democrat Katie Hobbs (51% to 49%).

California

Voters in California will take part in two U.S. Senate elections: a special contest to fill a seat until January 2023 and a regular contest to choose a Senator for a six-year term. In each election, Democrat Alex Padilla holds a sizeable advantage over Republican Mark Meuser (63% to 37%).

Incumbent Gavin Newsom of the Democratic Party has a 20-point lead over Republican challenger Brian Dahle in the gubernatorial election (60% to 40%).

Practically seven-in-ten decided voters in the Golden State (69%) say they will vote “Yes” on Proposition 1 which seeks to amend the California Constitution to expressly include an individual’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom.

Florida

In the Sunshine State, incumbent U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of the Republican Party has a double-digit advantage over Democratic challenger Val Demmings (54% to 44%).

Incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis is also heavily favoured to win a new term in office in his contest against former governor Charlie Crist (56% to 42%).

Georgia

The U.S. Senate election in the Peach State may have to be decided in a run-off, with Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver garnering the support of 1% of decided voters. Challenger Herschel Walker of the Republican Party and incumbent U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock of the Democratic Party are tied with 49% each.

In the gubernatorial election, incumbent Republican Brian Kemp has a seven-point lead over Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams (53% to 46%).

Illinois

Democrat Tammy Duckworth appears headed to a new six-year term in the U.S. Senate, with a sizeable advantage over Republican challenger Kathy Salvi (58% to 40%).

In the Prairie State’s gubernatorial race, incumbent Democrat J. B. Pritzker is 20 points ahead of Republican rival Darren Bailey (59% to 39%).

Nevada

Democratic U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, first elected in 2016, is trailing GOP challenger Adam Laxalt by a single point (48% to 49%).

In the Silver State’s gubernatorial election, incumbent Democrat Steve Sisolak is also slightly behind Republican contender Joe Lombardo (47% to 49%).

New York

Voters in the Empire State give incumbent U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of the Democratic Party a substantial lead over GOP challenger Joe Pinion (59% to 39%).

In the gubernatorial election, former Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul of the Democratic Party has a double-digit lead over Republican candidate Lee Zeldin (55% to 45%).

Ohio

In the Buckeye State’s election to the U.S. Senate, J.D. Vance holds an eight-point advantage over Democrat Tim Ryan (54% to 46%).

Incumbent Republican Governor Mike DeWine has a larger lead over Democratic challenger Nan Whaley (61% to 39%).

Pennsylvania

In the race to replace retiring U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, Democratic candidate John Fetterman is barely ahead of Republican contender Mehmet Oz (49% to 48%).

The contest for the governor’s office in the Keystone State is not as tight. Democrat Josh Shapiro has a 12-point lead over Republican Doug Mastriano (55% to 43%).

Wisconsin

Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, first elected in 2010, has a six-point lead over Democratic rival Mandela Barnes in the Badger State (53% to 47%).

In the race for governor, incumbent Tony Evers of the Democratic Party and challenger Tim Michels of the Republican Party are tied with the support of 50% of decided voters each.

Methodology:

Results are based on online surveys conducted from November 4 to November 6, 2022, among representative samples of 450 likely voters in ten American states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age and gender in each state. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.6 percentage points for each state, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca