A new poll conducted by Vanderbilt University has found that a majority of Tennesseans support marijuana legalization and gun safety reforms, despite the state’s Republican lawmakers opposing such measures. The poll found that 63% of voters support legalizing recreational marijuana, with 53% of Republicans and 78% of Democrats in favor. On gun safety, 86% of respondents support a law requiring gun owners to report a lost or stolen gun, and 78% support a “red flag” law to restrict access to guns for individuals deemed a high risk to themselves or others.
The poll also found that women across political parties are more likely to support gun safety reforms than men. The results suggest that the priorities of state lawmakers, who have resisted changes to gun and marijuana policy, do not align with those of the majority of Tennesseans.
Despite the disconnect, the poll found that the approval rating of the state legislature increased by seven points from May to December, with 53% of respondents approving of the work of the General Assembly. The timing of the poll is notable, as it was conducted immediately following the legislative session.
Tennesseans ranked the economy and education as the top issues for government to address, and support for Governor Bill Lee’s school voucher plan was split, with 47% of respondents supporting the plan and 44% opposing it.
The poll also found that a majority of Tennesseans support increased exceptions to the state’s near-total abortion ban, with 80% of respondents supporting exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or fatal fetal medical diagnoses. The poll found that 53% of respondents identified as “pro-choice,” up slightly from a previous poll.
Overall, the poll suggests that while there may be some shifts in public opinion, the priorities of Tennesseans remain largely unchanged, and the disconnect between voters and elected officials continues.