New poll: Majority of Arizonans favor SB 1070 provisions

Politics and illegal immigration are practically inseparable this election season, as debate over SB 1070 continues to dominate certain campaigns, but there appears to be little doubt about where a majority of Arizona voters stand on the issue.

A recent Morrison Institute-Knowledge Networks Poll sampled 614 registered Arizona voters regarding three of the most controversial measures in SB 1070: the requirement to produce documents verifying legal status; allowing police to detain those unable to produce verification of legal status; and requiring police to question anyone they suspect may be in the country illegally. 

“The pattern of the findings are consistent with Arizona politics – highest support at the conservative end of the political spectrum, least support at the liberal end,” said David Daugherty, director of research at Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University. “What’s surprising is the level of support – overwhelming support among Republicans and strong support among Independents and Democrats.”

Results of the poll, details of which can be found at www.ArizonaIndicators.org, include:

Question: Should people be required to produce documents verifying legal status?

Among registered voters polled, 81% said they approve of the provision within SB 1070 that requires people to produce documents that verify their legal status. 

While there are differences in levels of support by political affiliation, the vast majority of each political party supports the provision: 92% of Republicans, 79% of independents and 68% of Democrats.

Question: Should police be allowed to detain anyone unable to verify their legal status?

This provision of SB 1070 receives solid support, with 74% of respondents in favor of allowing police to detain anyone who is unable to verify legal status.

There are, however, wide differences of opinion about this provision based upon party affiliation. While 93% of Republicans and 73% of Independents favor detaining those who are unable to verify their legal status, only 50% of Democrats favor it. 

Question: Should police be allowed to question anyone they think may be in the country illegally?

Some 68% of voters surveyed in the poll favor the provision of SB 1070 that would allow police to question anyone they think may be in the country illegally when stopped as a suspect or arrested for a crime.

Almost nine in 10 registered Republican voters (87%) believe the police should be allowed to question anyone they think may be in the country illegally, compared with 67% of Independents and 48% of Democrats.

Summary:

Taking all three provisions of SB 1070 tested in this study, 64% of all registered voters support all three provisions, while only 17% oppose all three. 

In combining the findings of all three tested provisions, Republicans are most favorable toward SB 1070 (2.73 out of 3.0), Democrats the least favorable (1.66), with Independents sandwiched between the two (2.20).

Findings in the survey are a statewide representative sample based on the responses of 614 Arizonans interviewed between July 16 and Aug. 6, as part of the Arizona Indicators Panel. Results reflect a plus-or-minus four percentage point level of accuracy.

ABOUT THE SURVEY

The survey was conducted using the web-enabled KnowledgePanel®, a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. population. Initially, participants are chosen scientifically by a random selection of telephone numbers and residential addresses. Persons in selected households are then invited by telephone or by mail to participate in the web-enabled KnowledgePanel®. For those who agree to participate, but do not already have Internet access, Knowledge Networks provides at no cost a laptop and ISP connection. People who already have computers and Internet service are permitted to participate using their own equipment. Panelists then receive unique log-in information for accessing surveys online, and then are sent emails  throughout each month inviting them to participate in research. More technical information is available at http://www.knowledgenetworks.com/ganp/reviewer-info.html.

ABOUT KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS

Knowledge Networks delivers quality and service to guide leaders in business, government, and academia – uniquely bringing scientifically valid research to the online space through its probability-based, online KnowledgePanel®. The company delivers unique study design, science, analysis, and panel maintenance, along with a commitment to close collaboration at every stage of the research process. Knowledge Networks leverages its expertise in brands, media, advertising, and public policy issues to provide insights that speak directly to clients’ most important concerns. For more information about Knowledge Networks, visit www.knowledgenetworks.com.

ABOUT ARIZONA INDICATORS

Arizona Indicators, a project of Morrison Institute for Public Policy, is a community partnership supported by major sponsors Arizona State University and Arizona Community Foundation, and contributing sponsors Valley of the Sun United Way, The Arizona Republic, and Arizona Department of Commerce. For continuously updated data, go to www.ArizonaIndicators.org

ABOUT MORRISON INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY

Morrison Institute for Public Policy is an independent, non-partisan public policy research institute examining critical Arizona and regional issues, and is a catalyst for public dialogue. An Arizona State University resource, Morrison Institute uses research results and communication outreach to help improve the quality of life in Arizona. For more research, analysis, data and events, go to MorrisonInstitute.asu.edu