The Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College released the results of its most recent poll late last month.
As part of the poll, 640 adult Virginians were interviewed between Aug. 7 and 16 on a range of topics, including the war in Ukraine, abortion, Gov. Glenn Young’s national spotlight and general feelings about current and former elected officials. The survey had a 4.5% margin of error.
Approvals, favorable/unfavorable, direction of Virginia, country
According to the poll, Youngkin’s approval rating has increased to 55%. In May, it had been 53%. His disapproval remained at 35%.
President Joe Biden’s approval rating also increased, going up to 39%. It had been 37% in June.
The poll indicated that 25% of respondents said that the country is headed in the right direction, up from 21% in May. Those who feel that the country has gotten off on the wrong track were at 72%. As for Virginia, 51% of respondents said that it is headed in the right direction, with 45% saying that it is headed in the wrong direction.
Abortion, Supreme Court
The poll indicated that 40% of respondents in Virginia believe that abortion should be legal under all circumstances, up from 35% in May. Those who feel that abortion should be legal under some circumstances was at 48%, down from 53% in May. Those in favor of a total ban on abortion was at 10%, down slightly from 11% in May.
Youngkin, the national spotlight
For the first time, the poll from Roanoke College asked Virginian about their opinions on Youngkin and the national spotlight given the speculation that he may run for president in 2024. The poll found that 36% of Virginians think Youngkin should run, while 54% do not.
In an early matchup for the Republican primary for president, the poll found that among Republicans 28% would vote for Youngkin, 62% for former President Donald J. Trump and 9% for someone else.
Russia, Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine continues, 73% of respondents said that they continue to follow the news either very or somewhat closely. The number is down slightly from May. According to the poll, Democrats, 80%, followed the war more closely than Republicans, 70%. The number of those who believe the worst of the war is yet to come was 64%, down slightly from 66% in May.
The poll indicated that 45% of respondents believe that the United States should offer more support to Ukraine, but not at the risk of going to war with Russia. The number of respondents who feel that the United States is already doing enough to support Ukraine was at 36%.
-The Salem Times-Register