Press Release
October 22, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2020
CONTACT: 510.550.8173
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POLLING SHOWS ENVIRONMENT IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR CALIFORNIANS ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
OAKLAND, CA – Today, the California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters) released polling that shows Californians of all political stripes care deeply about environmental protections and are taking this election as a serious opportunity for change. The polling also identifies the bipartisan role environmental issues could take in voter decisions.
“Voters know that a healthy environment is crucial to the health of their communities,” said Mary Creasman, CEO for EnviroVoters. “Our polling data once again backs up what we’ve been telling elected officials for years – the public is ahead of their leaders on the environment and climate change. The people want bold action from their elected officials; they want leaders who will pledge to work for them and their families, not corporate oil and gas interests.”
Overwhelmingly, polling shows that Californians want the state to prioritize the environment, with just under three-fourths of registered voters citing this as a priority. The polling also indicates that registered voters across party lines strongly prefer candidates who support protecting our public lands and parks (92% of respondents) and candidates who refuse to take oil and gas money (78% of respondents). California voters are tuned in closely to the election (94% of respondents), and even previous non-voters are paying close attention.
Creasman added, “This is a wake-up call to any California leader who thinks environmental protections or cutting ties with big oil and gas are divisive. Our state’s voters are united in wanting a better tomorrow.”
EnviroVoters also recently conducted focus groups offering additional qualitative background on Californians’ thinking: with the coronavirus and recent wildfires devastating the state, potential voters are thinking a lot about the health of their environment and communities. They are eager for the government to step up to handle these challenges. Voters know that fixes for our current problems exist, and want leaders who are ready to enact solutions.
The focus groups also suggest that voters are closely tuned into the election this year, but overwhelmed with choices and voting in a pandemic. EnviroVoters and their Local League partners’ federal, statewide and local endorsements offer guidance to voters on selecting candidates who are environmental justice advocates.
Key findings from the polling and focus groups are below.
Key Polling Findings:
ENVIRONMENT
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Most California voters believe that the environment (73%) and climate change (64%) should be priorities for the State. Concern about the issue is especially high among younger voters with 76% of the 18 to 29 age group rating climate change as a priority and 86% rating the environment as a priority.
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92% of voters say they are more likely to support candidates who engage in actions that support environmental policy. A striking 80% of voters say they are more likely to support a candidate that refuses to take oil and gas money.
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There is little partisan divide on the protection of parks and public lands. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are unified in wanting elected officials who will protect our parks and public lands.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
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California voters say they are paying attention to this election. Nearly all (94%) registered voters surveyed say they are very likely to vote in the upcoming November 2020 election. Even among those that have never voted in California (20% of those surveyed), 88% are following the race for president and 67% are following the ballot propositions at least somewhat closely.
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Three-quarters (74%) of voters say they are planning on voting early. When told that all registered voters will be receiving a ballot in the mail, a plurality of voters (43%) say they plan to mail their ballot back early and another 7% say they will mail it closer to election day. Few (only 14%) say they are planning to vote on Election Day in person.
Key Focus Group Findings:
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
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Californians are exhausted and anxious due to the pandemic, wildfires, and other recent challenges. Participants mentioned worries about COVID-19 as well as resulting economic impacts like job loss or financial instability. A number of participants were also concerned for their children’s education during remote learning.
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Wildfires and the unhealthy, smoky air are top-of-mind concerns. Respondents in the Central Valley were particularly concerned about the recent fires and smoke, as well as related power shut offs.
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The environment or climate change were mentioned by many participants as one of the major problems facing their area and our state. Air quality and the wildfires were the most frequently mentioned environmental topics, and participants were also worried about the health effects of these factors on conditions like asthma.
The research was conducted by EMC Research www.EMCresearch.com. The poll surveyed 1,220 registered voters in California and was conducted from August 27 – September 3, 2020 online using email and text invitations. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish.The polling data has a margin of error of 2.8%. The focus groups were conducted on October 6, 2020 and involved convening two groups of voters online. The groups were composed of voters registered as Democrats or No Party Preference from Riverside, San Bernardino, Fresno, and San Joaquin Counties.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
