Arizonans Worried About More Protests

3 out of 4 approve of Governor Ducey's curfew

PHOENIX (June 8th, 2020) – Gov. Doug Ducey's quick action implementing a curfew to help quell unrest in the aftermath of the George Floyd death won overwhelming approval from voters, according to a new Arizona Public Opinion Pulse poll.

The OH Predictive Insights survey found nearly three-quarters of Arizona voters approve of Ducey's handling of the protests and riots.

The Arizona Public Opinion Pulse (AZPOP) is a monthly survey of 600 likely general election voters in the state of Arizona. It has a margin of error of 4.0% and accurately reflects the state based on party, region, age, gender, ethnicity, and education level.

"Gov. Ducey has the clear backing of Arizonans as protests and unrest continues," says OHPI Chief of Research Mike Noble. "The governor stepped in and instituted the 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew for the entire state. Voters clearly appreciated the quick action."

Although most of the protests in response to Floyd's death have been peaceful, some — like the ones at Scottsdale Fashion Square on May 30th — devolved into outbreaks of rioting and looting. More than 60% of Arizonans are moderately or extremely concerned about the demonstrations.

Demonstration Concern Among Arizona Voters

Concern is highest among Republicans (77%), voters 55 and older (71%), and Hispanics (65%). Those who are 54 and younger (49%) and college-educated Democrats (39%) are least likely to report being as concerned about potential protests.

While voters are on edge about violent outbursts, they are confident in Gov. Ducey's leadership. The curfew was viewed positively by nearly three-quarters of Arizona voters, with majorities of voters across all parties, ages, and ethnicities approving.

"The curfew's popularity cuts across political parties and gender," Noble said. "Rarely has any state policy been as popular as Ducey's 8 p.m. curfew."

Support for the curfew varied depending on concern about further protests. Those less concerned were also less convinced the curfew was necessary (42% approve, 54% disapprove). The curfew was extremely popular among those more concerned (83% approve, 15% disapprove).