Most Americans feel civil liberties, like the right to vote, are at risk, suggests a new AP-NORC poll. Despite concerns, they still view the rights in founding documents as essential to American identity. The survey, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, shows widespread agreement across demographics on the importance of rights such as voting, free speech, and religious freedom.
The right to bear arms remains a divisive issue, with fewer people, about one-third, considering such rights safe from threats. Conducted from April 16-20, the survey showcases a consistent belief in personal freedoms as vital to the nation’s identity. However, it also highlights worry about the country’s course, especially with the Supreme Court’s recent decision impacting the Voting Rights Act.
Our idea of rights has been very consistent in this country until the last few years. Now, they’re all under threat. Every single last one of them.— Louise Rochon, 85, Connecticut
Vital Yet Threatened Rights
Approximately 9 out of 10 Americans regard voting rights as extremely or very important to U.S. identity. The same proportion values freedom of speech while about 8 in 10 see freedom of religion as central. Meanwhile, about 6 in 10 Americans consider gun rights highly important to their national identity.
Still, many view these rights as under siege. Two-thirds believe voting rights face some threat, with about a third identifying it as a major threat. Only a third see no threat at all. Nearly half perceive free speech under major threat, joined by approximately 3 out of 10 regarding gun rights and religious freedoms.
The country is going down the drain.— Tracy Gonzales, Independent, San Antonio, Texas
Gonzales voices a prevalent concern over the state of civil liberties amid intense debates over issues like immigration and economy during President Trump’s tenure. She notes, There are so many other crimes that are being committed, and people that actually need help, and you’re focused on the ones that are trying to get it together.
Black Americans and Voting Rights
The poll highlights complex opinions on democracy among Black Americans, influenced by a long history of voter suppression. Interestingly, Black Americans are less likely than white Americans to say voting rights are extremely important. Still, 4 in 10 Black Americans see major threats to these rights, more than any other racial group.
African Americans didn’t fully enjoy the right to vote until about 60 years ago, and I feel like it’s under threat right now.— Antonio Williams, School Administrator, Dallas, Texas
Younger Adults’ Perspective
Independents and younger adults show less inclination to consider voting and free speech as central. Professional dancer Julian Goodwin-Ferris, 28, from New Jersey, remarks that social media’s influence shapes a perception that voices don’t matter as much, because our rights sort of being more ignored.
Partisan Views on Civil Liberties
Partisan differences emerge in perceived threats to civil liberties. Democrats are more worried about free speech, while Republicans focus on gun rights. About 6 in 10 Democrats see free speech as facing a major threat, compared to 4 in 10 independents and a third of Republicans.
Regarding gun rights, while many consider them important, 8 in 10 Republicans agree, as opposed to only 4 in 10 Democrats. Threat awareness has increased among Republicans regarding these rights, unlike Democrats or independents.
We have the Bill of Rights for a reason.— Nuri Simmons, Warehouse Worker, New York, Registered Democrat
Simmons articulates concerns over different rights being interconnected, while emphasizing an awareness of diverse political perspectives.
The AP-NORC poll involved 2,596 adults from April 16-20, utilizing a sample from NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel. The overall margin of sampling error stands at 2.6 percentage points.
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