Poll finds Connecticut voters were more likely to support Gov. Dan Malloy (D) based on his action on paid sick days than those who were less likely to support
Washington, D.C. — A new poll finds Connecticut voters who cast their ballot in the 2014 gubernatorial race overwhelmingly support policies that promote economic security among women and working families, with more than 7 in 10 voters expressing support for paid sick days. By a 5 percentage point margin, the poll also found that voters were more likely to vote for Gov. Dan Malloy (D) based on his support for paid sick days than those who were less likely to support based on his action. Gov. Malloy signed paid sick days into law in 2011, making Connecticut one of only three U.S. states to guarantee workers access to paid sick days.
The poll—conducted by Public Policy Polling and commissioned by the Center for American Progress Action Fund—found broad support for paid sick days across party affiliation, gender, race and ethnicity, and age. Among its key findings, the poll shows that a majority of Connecticut men support paid sick days, with 63 percent expressing support, while only 26 percent of Connecticut men oppose it—a 37 percentage point gap. The polls also finds that 81 percent of Connecticut women expressed support for paid sick days.
“Connecticut voters across party, gender, race, and age spectrums understand that candidates and policies that promote women’s economic security help all working families get ahead,” said Allison Zelman, Managing Director of the Women’s Initiative at the Center for American Progress Action Fund. “Access to paid sick days is not a women’s issue; it is a working families’ issue, and voters in Connecticut strongly back policies that provide workers with the support needed to care for themselves or a sick family member.”
In addition to strong support across party lines, the poll also finds paid sick days are widely supported among all demographics:
- Across party lines: 87 percent of Connecticut Democrats and 72 percent of independent/other voters expressed support for paid sick days, while 48 percent of Connecticut Republicans expressed support, compared to 34 percent of Connecticut Republicans who oppose it.
- Across all voting-age populations: Voters across all age ranges expressed strong support for paid sick days, with 72 percent of 18 to 29 year olds, 72 percent of 30 to 45 year olds, 73 percent of 46 to 65 year olds, and 73 percent of voters older than 65 expressing their support.
- Across racial demographics: The poll finds broad support across racial demographics, with 87 percent of African American voters, 73 percent of white voters, 60 percent of Hispanic voters, and 69 percent of voters who identified as a race not listed in the poll indicating support for paid sick days.
The poll results can be viewed here.
For more information or to speak to an expert, contact Chelsea Kiene at [email protected].
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