Publication date: September 8, 2022
Written by: Stefani Buhajla
In late June, the Center for Excellence in Polling conducted two separate surveys asking likely Michigan voters about their thoughts on topics relating to inflation, unemployment, education, and elections.
INFLATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT
A vast majority of Michiganders are somewhat or very concerned about inflation going into the midterm elections this November.
One of the contributing factors to inflation has been long-term unemployment subsidized by expansions and extensions of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. Nearly half of likely voters say that UI benefits should be limited to three months, or four months at most. The situation has also left businesses desperate to find workers—something that 83 percent of respondents say concerns them.
To encourage individuals to return to the workforce, 67 percent of Michigan voters say that able-bodied food stamp beneficiaries should be required to work, volunteer, or participate in job training at least part time. And 51 percent support the same requirement for able-bodied Medicaid recipients.
EDUCATION
When it comes to education, 79 percent of Michiganders want to be sure history and civics courses are being taught from an unbiased perspective. And just 30 percent said they think public schools are only being somewhat transparent with the communities they serve.
ELECTIONS
More than half of voters say they would be more likely to support candidates for the state legislature who talk about improving election integrity and who don’t want the federal government meddling in state-run election processes. They view special interest group involvement in voter registration activities as a negative and 75 percent don’t think local or state election officials should be allowed to change election rules without the state legislature’s knowledge.