New statewide survey shows Arizonans support measures to stop spread of COVID-19

A newly released statewide survey funded by the Arizona Public Health Association and the Arizona School Boards Association shows that a majority of Arizona voters support measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 in public schools, local governments and charter schools, and more. Paul Bentz, senior vice president of research and strategy at Highground Public Affairs Consultants, talked to us about the results of the survey.

Bentz found that 59 percent opposed the mask mandate ban that is supposed to go into effect on Sept. 29. Gov. Doug Ducey announced earlier that he would give schools $163 million in COVID funding if they follow all state laws. “Sixty-two percent of the electorate opposes that proposal. They see right through it. They know what it is,” Bentz said.

Bentz said the challenge is that it does not build a winning coalition for the general election. “2022 should be a really good year for Republicans. It should look a lot like 2010,” he mentioned. He went on to say that republicans won significant gains in a lot of statewide, local, and regional offices.

When asked about governor issues, Bentz said, “I think the governor is doing a great job building a national reputation on key issues: reducing taxes, being tough on the border, criticizing Biden.”

Arizona is very competitive when independent and unaffiliated voters are in play, he said.