Almost Half of Arizonans Want Stricter Gun Control Laws

74% of Arizona Voters Support Increasing the Minimum Age to Buy Firearms to 21

PHOENIX (July 27, 2022) – Gun control issues have been circling the media in recent months, dividing the public with varying stances. OH Predictive Insights (OHPI) conducted a survey to assess Arizona voters' sentiment toward gun control laws. According to the latest Arizona Public Opinion Pulse (AZPOP) survey, 48% of Arizonans believe that stricter gun control would reduce the frequency of gun violence.

This AZPOP was conducted July 5–15, 2022 and surveyed 927 Arizona registered voters, MoE ±3.2%.

Stricter Laws

Forty-eight percent believe stricter gun control laws would reduce gun violence, while only 11% are unsure about the relationship.

Preventative Measures

Despite the split on broader gun control, Arizonans show broad agreement on specific measures:

• 82% believe firearm purchasers should be subject to a criminal background check
• 74% support increasing the minimum age to buy all firearms to 21
• 77% support raising the age for assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons specifically
• 74% support mental health screenings on top of criminal background checks

"Voters overwhelmingly support increased background and mental health screenings, as well as increasing the minimum purchasing age for all firearms," said Mike Noble, OHPI Chief of Research. "Despite this common ground, campaign messaging surrounding gun control is exceptionally loud on all sides."

Assault Weapons Ban

While 56% of Arizona voters support a ban on assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons, key electoral demographics are split. Six in ten voters over 65 support the ban, and 68% support a ban on high-capacity magazines.

Guns in Schools

Six in ten Arizonans would back an increase in armed guards or Student Resource Officers (SROs) in public schools — rising to 67% among those with children under 18. On arming teachers: 42% support it, 39% oppose, 19% unsure.

"The data reinforces the polarizing nature of this strategy to reduce gun violence in schools, even in a gun-friendly state like Arizona," said Noble.

Key Takeaway

"While Arizona is, and will continue to be, a gun-friendly state, it is likely that the seemingly constant stories of the most recent mass shootings are causing Arizonans to come together on several strategies seeking to prevent gun violence," said Noble.

Methodology: Online opt-in panel survey, July 5–15, 2022. Arizona statewide registered voter sample, weighted by gender, region, age, party affiliation, and ethnicity. 927 registered voters, MoE ±3.22%. Numbers may not equal 100% due to rounding.

Media Contacts:
Veronica Sutliff, OH Predictive Insights — [email protected], (480) 398-0998
Megan Newsham, OH Predictive Insights — [email protected], (314) 287-1985