In the month leading up to the 2024 general election, Wyoming residents were surveyed on a number of issues relevant to the population. The biennial survey of Wyoming residents is conducted by UW’s School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies in partnership with the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center. The questions focus on attitudes toward government, elected officials, candidates for office, and contemporary policy issues. Questions regarding the survey can be directed to WyOpinion@uwyo.edu.

Trump Maintains Strong Support in Wyoming, UW Survey Shows

UW Survey Finds Diverse Views on Abortion Rights and Guns

Wyoming Residents Have Mixed Views on National and State Economies, UW Survey Shows

UW Survey Find Disapproval of Federal Leadership, Mixed Reviews for State Officials

A topline report with methodological outline and complete survey results can be found at (https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/7735)

When it comes to state leadership, 41 percent of respondents approve of Gov. Mark Gordon’s performance, compared to 22 percent who disapprove (+19). U.S. Sen. John Barrasso receives a 42 percent approval rating, with 29 percent disapproving (+13), while U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis has a 30 percent approval rating and 25 percent disapproval (+5). In the U.S. House, Rep. Harriet Hageman enjoys higher approval, with 47 percent of Wyomingites expressing satisfaction with her work, while 27 percent disapprove (+20). These numbers include a “neither approve nor disapprove” option, which ranged from a low of 18 percent for Hageman to a high of 37 percent for Lummis.

The statewide survey was conducted Sept. 24-Oct. 27, yielding 739 responses from randomly selected Wyoming residents. The margin of error for the distribution of responses on any individual survey question is plus or minus 3.6 percentage points. Men and women from all age groups and all counties in Wyoming are proportionally represented in the survey data. The final survey data have been weighted to reflect the actual population distribution in Wyoming on gender, age, county of residence, party affiliation and education.

Looking at approval ratings only among those who expressed approval or disapproval, 66 percent of respondents approve of Gordon’s performance, while 34 percent disapprove. Approval ratings for other state leaders are 59 percent approval for Barrasso, 55 percent approval for Lummis and 63 percent approval for Hageman.

The Wyoming Legislature sees 32 percent of residents approving its work and 30 percent disapproving. The Wyoming judiciary garners a favorable view, with over 36 percent approving and around 12 percent disapproving. Looking only at those who expressed approval or disapproval, the Legislature has a 52 percent approval rating, with 48 percent disapproving, while the Wyoming judiciary has a significantly higher approval rating of 76 percent vs. 24 percent who disapprove.

“While federal leaders face discontent, Wyoming’s state officials receive largely favorable reviews, highlighting a preference for local governance,” says Ryan Williamson, an assistant professor of political science at UW. “Additionally, a significant trust gap exists between federal and state governments, with Wyomingites showing much greater confidence in their local leaders.”

In evaluating trust in the federal government, less than 1 percent of Wyomingites feel it can “just about always” be trusted to do what is right. Only 10 percent trust the federal government “most of the time,” while 51 percent believe it can be trusted “some of the time.” Notably, 38 percent of respondents express a severe lack of trust, feeling the federal government cannot ever be trusted to do the right thing.

In contrast, the state government in Cheyenne enjoys comparatively higher trust levels. When posed with the same question, 3 percent of residents believe the state government can almost always be trusted. A more significant portion, 36 percent, trust the state government “most of the time,” and 52 percent believe it can be trusted “some of the time.” Only 8 percent feel the state government can never be trusted to act correctly.

Biennial surveys of Wyoming residents are conducted by UW’s School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies in partnership with the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. The questions focus on attitudes toward government, elected officials, candidates for office and contemporary policy issues. Questions regarding the survey can be directed to WyOpinion@uwyo.edu.

A top-line report with methodological outline and complete survey results can be found at https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/projects/weys24/.

A random sample of all cellular and land-line telephones was generated for the UW survey. Selected respondents were contacted via email, mail and phone to complete the survey, with 59 percent of responses on the web and the remaining 41 percent via live-interviewer telephone (92 percent cellular).

“This approach to the survey methodology gives every person in Wyoming with a phone an equal probability of selection for the survey,” says Brian Harnisch, director of the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. “Survey respondents accurately reflect the statewide population in terms of general demographic characteristics that include age, gender and county of residence, as well as other benchmarks such as party affiliation and educational attainment.”

The outlook for Wyoming’s economy is somewhat more positive, though still cautious. Just over half of the respondents, at 52 percent, believe that the state’s economy has worsened over the past year. Meanwhile, 12 percent report an improvement, and approximately 36 percent feel it has stayed the same.

The statewide survey was conducted Sept. 24-Oct. 27, yielding 739 responses from randomly selected Wyoming residents. The margin of error for the distribution of responses on any individual survey question is plus or minus 3.6 percentage points. Men and women from all age groups and all counties in Wyoming are proportionally represented in the survey data. The final survey data have been weighted to reflect the actual population distribution in Wyoming on gender, age, county of residence, party affiliation and education.

Looking ahead, optimism remains limited, as only 38 percent of respondents anticipate that the national economy will improve in the coming year. In contrast, 36 percent expect it will worsen, while 18 percent expect stability and 26 percent remain uncertain about future economic trends.

When looking at the future of Wyoming’s economy, sentiments are mixed: 27 percent expect economic conditions to improve in the next 12 months; 29 percent think it will worsen; and nearly 44 percent anticipate stability. Additionally, 22 percent of participants express uncertainty regarding the future state of the economy.

This data reflects the prevailing concerns and cautious optimism among Wyoming residents as they navigate current economic challenges and contemplate the future, says Ryan Williamson, an assistant professor of political science at UW.

“Economic pessimism prevails concerning the national landscape, yet cautious optimism is seen locally within Wyoming,” he says.

Economic Development Strategies

The survey findings reveal differing opinions among Wyoming residents about the best path forward for the state’s economic development.

According to the survey, 47 percent of Wyomingites feel that the state’s economy needs to be diversified. This perspective advocates for exploring new industries and technologies to create a balanced and resilient economic landscape.

Conversely, 54 percent of respondents support expanding traditional industries such as agriculture, coal production and tourism, emphasizing the importance of these sectors in maintaining economic stability and growth in Wyoming.

“Wyoming’s economic future is at a crossroads, with residents equally valuing innovation and the strength of traditional industries,” Williamson says.

Biennial surveys of Wyoming residents are conducted by UW’s School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies in partnership with the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. The questions focus on attitudes toward government, elected officials, candidates for office and contemporary policy issues. Questions regarding the survey can be directed to WyOpinion@uwyo.edu.

A top-line report with methodological outline and complete survey results can be found at https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/projects/weys24/.

A random sample of all cellular and land-line telephones was generated for the UW survey. Selected respondents were contacted via email, mail and phone to complete the survey, with 59 percent of responses on the web and the remaining 41 percent via live-interviewer telephone (92 percent cellular).

“This approach to the survey methodology gives every person in Wyoming with a phone an equal probability of selection for the survey,” says Brian Harnisch, director of the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. “Survey respondents accurately reflect the statewide population in terms of general demographic characteristics that include age, gender and county of residence, as well as other benchmarks such as party affiliation and educational attainment.”

The survey indicates that 11 percent of Wyomingites believe abortion should never be permitted. Meanwhile, 31 percent support allowing abortion only in instances of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is at risk, highlighting a conditional approach to the issue.

Additionally, 20 percent feel that abortion should be permitted in situations beyond rape, incest and danger to the mother, provided the need has been clearly established. This perspective suggests a more situational approach, emphasizing careful consideration of circumstances.

Conversely, 39 percent of respondents uphold the belief that women should always have access to abortions as a matter of personal choice.

The statewide survey was conducted Sept. 24-Oct. 27, yielding 739 responses from randomly selected Wyoming residents. The margin of error for the distribution of responses on any individual survey question is plus or minus 3.6 percentage points. Men and women from all age groups and all counties in Wyoming are proportionally represented in the survey data. The final survey data have been weighted to reflect the actual population distribution in Wyoming on gender, age, county of residence, party affiliation and education.

Among self-identified Republicans, the most common response is that abortions only be allowed in instances of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is at risk, at 43 percent. The second most common response among Republicans is that abortion should always be allowed as a matter of personal choice, at 22 percent.

Preferences are much more consistent among self-identified Democrats, as 86 percent believe abortion should always be allowed as a matter of personal choice.

“Wyoming residents exhibit a wide spectrum of views on abortion rights, reflecting deeply nuanced and personal perspectives,” says Ryan Williamson, an assistant professor of political science at UW.

Gun Control Measures

The UW survey also sheds light on the diverse perspectives among Wyoming residents concerning gun control measures, reflecting both support and opposition to various proposals.

A notable 58 percent of Wyomingites support the idea of requiring firearm sales to be reported and recorded, while 28 percent oppose this measure. This suggests a majority who favor increased oversight in gun transactions.

When it comes to licensing requirements, 49 percent of respondents believe that requiring a license to purchase or possess firearms or ammunition is a good idea, compared to 39 percent who view it as unfavorable, indicating a division in opinion on adding regulatory steps to gun ownership.

On the topic of gun-free zones, 36 percent think eliminating these zones is beneficial, whereas 43 percent disagree, underscoring debates around safety and firearms accessibility in specific areas.
“Questions regarding gun control in Wyoming underscore a seeming desire to strike a balance between safety measures and protecting individual rights,” Williamson says.

Biennial surveys of Wyoming residents are conducted by UW’s School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies in partnership with the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. The questions focus on attitudes toward government, elected officials, candidates for office and contemporary policy issues. Questions regarding the survey can be directed to WyOpinion@uwyo.edu.

A top-line report with methodological outline and complete survey results can be found at https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/projects/weys24/.

A random sample of all cellular and land-line telephones was generated for the UW survey. Selected respondents were contacted via email, mail and phone to complete the survey, with 59 percent of responses on the web and the remaining 41 percent via live-interviewer telephone (92 percent cellular).

“This approach to the survey methodology gives every person in Wyoming with a phone an equal probability of selection for the survey,” says Brian Harnisch, director of the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. “Survey respondents accurately reflect the statewide population in terms of general demographic characteristics that include age, gender and county of residence, as well as other benchmarks such as party affiliation and educational attainment.”

“Wyoming’s political landscape remains staunchly Republican, with a strong show of support for Donald Trump,” says Ryan Williamson, an assistant professor in UW’s School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies. “Our results indicate that almost 66 percent of Wyomingites plan to cast their ballots for Trump, reinforcing his continued popularity in the state.”

The statewide survey was conducted Sept. 24-Oct. 27, yielding 739 responses from randomly selected Wyoming residents. The margin of error for the distribution of responses on any individual survey question is plus or minus 3.6 percentage points. Men and women from all age groups and all counties in Wyoming are proportionally represented in the survey data. The final survey data have been weighted to reflect the actual population distribution in Wyoming on gender, age, county of residence, party affiliation and education.

In previous election cycles, Trump garnered significant support in Wyoming, securing 68 percent of the vote in 2016 and about 70 percent in 2020. This long-standing trend of Republican preference is expected to continue in the upcoming election.

Among self-identified Republicans in Wyoming, an overwhelming 91 percent remain steadfast in their support for Trump. Meanwhile, 5 percent have indicated their intention to vote for the Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, with the remaining 4 percent opting for alternative candidates outside of the major parties.

Conversely, self-identified Democrats show near-unanimous support for Harris, with 98 percent backing her candidacy. Only 1 percent of Democrats surveyed plan to cast their vote for Trump, and an additional 1 percent favor other candidates.

Wyoming’s independents present a more divided picture: 41 percent plan to vote for Trump, while 47 percent intend to support Harris, and 12 percent are leaning toward candidates outside the traditional party lines.

“Our polling reveals that, despite strong partisan divides, independents in Wyoming have more varied electoral preferences,” Williamson says.

Vote Count Confidence

Meanwhile, more than 58 percent of Wyomingites believe that vote counts across the country will be very or somewhat reliable, according to the survey.

Confidence levels are even higher within the state, where 88 percent of residents trust that the vote count in Wyoming will be reliable. Matching this sentiment, 89 percent of respondents express similar confidence in the reliability of vote counts within their own counties.

“These findings highlight a community that values and trusts its democratic processes, with high confidence reported at both state and county levels,” Williamson says.

The survey reveals diverse opinions among Wyoming residents regarding voting by mail, reflecting preferences for both traditional and alternative voting methods.

The survey indicates that less than 1 percent of Wyomingites favor conducting elections entirely by mail. Meanwhile, 38 percent believe that citizens who wish to vote by mail should have the option to do so, highlighting an openness to flexible voting solutions.

Additionally, 45 percent of respondents support mail-in voting specifically for individuals with special needs that prevent them from voting in person, showcasing a desire to accommodate those requiring assistance.

Conversely, 16 percent of those surveyed advocate for maintaining all voting as an in-person activity, underscoring a significant preference for traditional voting practices.
“These findings highlight a balanced approach in Wyoming towards voting methods, with consideration for both traditional and accessible voting solutions,” Williamson says.

Concerns Over Political Violence

The survey reveals that a majority of Wyoming residents consider political violence a pressing issue, with 55 percent identifying it as a major problem. In contrast, 44 percent view it as a minor issue or not an issue at all.

The results further highlight that 78 percent of Wyomingites believe political violence is never acceptable. However, 22 percent of respondents consider political violence justifiable under certain circumstances, consistent with a growing pattern of such attitudes across the United States.

“As political tensions intensify, Wyomingites largely advocate for nonviolence,” Williamson says.

Varied Opinions on U.S. Involvement in Ukraine

The survey reveals diverse opinions among Wyoming residents regarding the extent of U.S. involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

“Nearly half of those surveyed advocate for comprehensive aid to Ukraine, paired with a cautious approach to avoid escalation,” Williamson says.

The survey indicates that 11 percent of respondents believe the United States should do whatever it takes to assist Ukraine, even at the risk of entering a direct war with Russia. This perspective underscores a commitment to supporting Ukraine despite potential escalations.

Meanwhile, 44 percent support providing comprehensive aid to Ukraine but emphasize caution to avoid risking a direct conflict with Russia. This view suggests a balanced approach that prioritizes strategic support without escalating tensions.

Conversely, 44 percent of Wyomingites believe the United States should not be involved in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia at all, highlighting a significant portion of the population favoring non-involvement and focusing on domestic issues.

Biennial surveys of Wyoming residents are conducted by UW’s School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies in partnership with the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. The questions focus on attitudes toward government, elected officials, candidates for office and contemporary policy issues. Questions regarding the survey can be directed to WyOpinion@uwyo.edu.

A top-line report with methodological outline and complete survey results can be found at https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/projects/weys24/.

A random sample of all cellular and land-line telephones was generated for the UW survey. Selected respondents were contacted via email, mail and phone to complete the survey, with 59 percent of responses on the web and the remaining 41 percent via live-interviewer telephone (92 percent cellular).

“This approach to the survey methodology gives every person in Wyoming with a phone an equal probability of selection for the survey,” says Brian Harnisch, director of the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. “Survey respondents accurately reflect the statewide population in terms of general demographic characteristics that include age, gender and county of residence, as well as other benchmarks such as party affiliation and educational attainment.”

Data for the BRFSS is collected monthly, using the telephone interview mode of data collection. About 500 surveys are collected each month.

The survey was conducted July 25-Aug. 6, yielding 562 responses from Wyoming residents identified as likely voters in the Aug. 16 Republican Party primary. The margin of error for the primary survey is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Just over one-quarter, 28 percent, of GOP primary voters support incumbent candidate Cheney, while 57 percent support Hageman. Candidate Anthony Bouchard polled at 2 percent, while candidates Denton Knapp and Robyn Belinskey both polled below 1 percent. Ten percent of likely GOP voters say they are still undecided.

“The race for the Republican nomination appears to be a referendum on Cheney, as it usually is when an incumbent seeks re-election,” says Jim King, professor of political science at UW.

Among survey respondents expecting to vote for Cheney, 66 percent indicated their vote was an expression of support for the incumbent congresswoman. In contrast, 29 percent of respondents expecting to cast ballots for another candidate said they were supporting that candidate, while 41 percent said their vote was in opposition to Cheney.

Traditionally, surveys polling primary elections might utilize lists of registered voters in that party. While that approach may be more cost effective, there are potential shortcomings that needed to be considered in a primary such as this.

“Given the unique attention this race is receiving, and the accompanying increases in voter registration and potential party switching, we decided to field this survey to a random sample of all Wyoming residents on cell phones and landlines and work to identify likely voters in the GOP primary,” says Brian Harnisch, director of WYSAC. “When looking only at residents who say they are Republican and likely voters in the primary, we actually see Hageman leading by roughly 50 points.”

Among Wyoming residents who identify as Democrats and likely voters in this primary season, roughly half say they will vote in the Republican primary. Among this group, Cheney received 98 percent support. Among Republican likely voters in the GOP primary, Cheney is polling at roughly 15 percent. Among likely voters in the primary who identify as independent, support is split, with 41 percent supporting Hageman and 43 percent supporting Cheney.

“There has been much talk in the media about Democrats crossing over and voting in the Republican primary; this group is not especially large,” King says.

Of likely voters in the primary, only 8 percent identify as Democrats, and 21 percent identify as independents. According to King, independents regularly play an important role Republican primaries and thus are key to Cheney’s chances. Her lack of support among Republican identifiers and inability to dominate among independents has placed Cheney well behind Hageman.

In the 2020 primary election, Wyoming saw a roughly 61 percent turnout of registered voters. In the 2020 general election, roughly 100 percent of registered voters turned out to vote. As previously mentioned, roughly half of self-identified Democrats who will vote in a primary indicate they will register for or have registered for the Republican Party and vote in that primary.

“Back-of-the-napkin math says that number could represent as many as 20,000 votes in the GOP primary from currently registered Democrats, compared to as many as 200,000-plus votes from registered Republicans,” Harnisch says. “It does not appear at the time of this survey the numbers are there for party switching to have a significant effect on the outcome of this race.”

Of those likely voters who support Hageman in this primary, only 16 percent believe that Joe Biden’s election as president was legitimate, compared to 94 percent of Cheney supporters. Some 72 percent of Hageman supporters in the GOP primary say there is solid evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, while 3 percent of Cheney supporters say the same.

When considering how closely likely primary voters have been watching the January 6 House Select Committee hearings, 83 percent of Cheney supporters say they have been following very closely or somewhat closely. Alternatively, 57 percent of Hageman supporters say they have been following not too closely or not closely at all.

Both landline and cellular telephone numbers were randomly generated for the study, resulting in 70 percent of completed surveys on cell phones. The survey was funded by the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center, UW’s School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies, and Wyoming Public Media.

View the complete topline survey results here: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/7723

Just under two-thirds (62 percent) of Wyomingites say they are very or somewhat likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine when available to them or that they already have received at least one dose. Alternatively, 7 percent say they are somewhat unlikely, while nearly a third of Wyoming residents (31 percent) say they are very unlikely.

In follow-up questions of those who say they are unlikely to receive the vaccine, over two-thirds (69 percent) say that concerns about side-effects are a major reason.  Additionally, 54 percent say they do not think they need it, and 56 percent say a major reason they are unlikely to get the vaccine is they want to know more about how well it will work.

“A majority of those who have not yet received the vaccine say they do not have enough information about the potential side-effects,” says Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist in charge of the project at WYSAC. “Additionally, it appears that residents still have questions about the effectiveness of the vaccine, as well as when and where people like them will be able to get the vaccine.”

Over half (55 percent) of residents who have not received the vaccine say they do not have enough information about when they will be able to get it, while 44 percent say they do not have enough information about where they will be able to get the vaccine. Sixty-three percent of those who have not received the vaccine say they do not have enough information about the side-effects, and 56 percent say they do not have enough information about the effectiveness.

The survey was conducted for 24 hours beginning on Monday, Feb. 1,  and is the 13th of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 526 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.

Other findings from the latest survey:

— Self-reported mask use in indoor public places has declined slightly since early January, with 72 percent of residents saying they always or often wear a mask in this situation.

— Asked to reflect on 2020 overall, 47 percent of Wyoming residents say they approve of how Donald Trump handled COVID-19 in the U.S., while 51 percent say they disapprove.

— Asked how Joe Biden is handling COVID-19 in the US, 42 percent of Wyoming residents say they approve, while 43 percent say they disapprove. Additionally, 15 percent say they are not sure how he is handling the pandemic.

To see the survey methodology, chart, figures, and complete survey results, go to https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/7716

December 11, 2020 – Wyoming residents are reporting an increased use of masks when visiting indoor public places, according to a new survey by the University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center (WYSAC).

The survey was conducted Monday, Dec. 7, with a majority of data collected before the announcement of Gov. Mark Gordon’s statewide mask mandate Monday afternoon.

Just over three-quarters (76 percent) of Wyomingites now say they wear masks always or often when visiting indoor public places, an increase from 69 percent in early November and 61 percent in early October. Only 6 percent of Wyoming residents now report that they never wear masks when visiting indoor public places, while 9 percent say they rarely wear masks in this situation.

“At the time of the survey, roughly half of the counties in Wyoming had recently enacted facemask mandates,” says Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist in charge of the project at WYSAC. “Self-reported mask use in those counties, those that say they always wear a mask in indoor public places, was roughly 20 percentage points higher than those without a mandate.”

Support for an ordinance that requires those in their communities to wear masks when visiting indoor public places was at 63 percent when the survey was fielded on Monday, similar to the 62 percent support measured in November. While this represents the state as a whole, it’s important to remember that differences in public opinion can exist from community to community.

The survey is the 11th of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 519 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.

Other findings from the latest survey:

— When comparing counties with mask mandates in effect to those that did not, 78 percent of those in counties with mandates report that they wear masks always or often when visiting indoor public places. In counties without mask mandates, 66 percent of residents say they wear masks always or often. When considering only “always” responses, 61 percent of residents in counties with mandates say they always wear masks in indoor public places, while 41 percent of those in counties without mandates say the same.

— Sixty-two percent of Wyomingites say they are very or somewhat likely to get the vaccine for COVID-19 when it becomes available, while 38 percent say they are very or somewhat unlikely to get the vaccine.

— Of those who say they are unlikely to get the vaccine, almost three-quarters (72 percent) name concerns about side-effects as a major reason. Roughly half (49 percent) say they do not think they need it, while 59 percent want to know more about how well it works. About one in five of those who are unlikely to get the vaccine cite cost as a major reason.

— Confidence in the U.S. and Wyoming health care systems to handle the response to COVID-19 has dropped significantly since November. When considering the U.S. health care system, 42 percent of Wyomingites say they have confidence it can handle the response — a decrease of 9 percentage points since November. When considering the Wyoming health care system, 40 percent of residents say they have confidence — a decrease of 9 percentage points since November.

To see the survey methodology, chart, figures, and complete survey results, download the complete report: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/7710

Over half (54 percent) of Wyoming residents now say they support allowing adults in Wyoming to legally possess marijuana for personal use. This continues the steady increase in support observed from 2014, 2016 and 2018, when support rose from 37 percent to 41 percent to 49 percent, respectively.

Looking across age groups, there is a clear pattern of younger age groups expressing more support for marijuana legalization. This support decreases as age increases — this observed pattern is a statistically significant trend.

There is popular support among younger Wyoming residents, with a majority of 18- to 24-year-olds (67 percent), 25- to 34-year-olds (74 percent), 35- to 44-year-olds (68 percent) and 55- to 64-year-olds (51 percent) supporting legalization. Support for legalization falls below a majority of those aged 45-55 (45 percent), 65-74 (40 percent) and 75-older (30 percent).

According to Rodney Wambeam, a senior research scientist at WYSAC, the support for recreational marijuana use reflects a decrease in the perceived risk or harm related to the drug.

“Despite the increasing dangers of marijuana use, such as addiction or drugged driving, young people in particular seem to view marijuana as a safe and natural alternative to alcohol or other illicit drugs,” Wambeam says.

As was the case in 2018, a large majority (85 percent) of Wyoming residents say they support the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes if a doctor prescribes it. This has remained steady from 2018, when 86 percent reported that they support this.

Three-quarters of Wyoming residents (75 percent) believe that people convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana should not serve time in jail. This has increased from 69 percent in 2018 and from 66 percent in 2014.

“As laws regarding the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana change around the U.S., especially in nearby states, it’s not surprising to see attitudes in Wyoming change as well,” says Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist at WYSAC. “In all bordering states except Idaho, marijuana or medical marijuana has been legalized to some extent or decriminalized.”

The statewide survey was conducted Oct. 8-29, yielding 614 responses from randomly selected Wyoming citizens. The margin of error for the distribution of responses on any individual survey question is plus or minus 4 percentage points. Men and women from all age groups are represented, and all counties in Wyoming are proportionally represented in the survey sample. The final survey data have been weighted to reflect the actual population distribution in Wyoming on these key demographic characteristics.

Both landline and cellular telephone numbers were randomly generated for the study, resulting in 82 percent of completed surveys on cell phones. The survey is funded by WYSAC and UW’s School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies.

Complete survey results are available at: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/6710.

The survey was conducted Monday, Nov. 2, as cases continued to see record highs statewide.

Almost half of Wyomingites say they’re very or fairly anxious about the spread of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 8 percentage points from October and an increase of 15 percentage points from September. Another 24 percent say they are somewhat anxious about the spread in Wyoming. Just over 30 percent of Wyoming residents say they are not at all anxious about the spread in Wyoming, a decrease of 11 percentage points since October.

While 44 percent say the worst is yet to come in the United States, 50 percent say the worst is yet to come here in Wyoming — an increase of 11 percentage points since October and 21 percentage points since September.

“Anxiety about the spread of COVID-19 in Wyoming has returned to levels not seen since March,” says Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist in charge of the project at WYSAC. “At the same time, we see just over two-thirds of Wyomingites now reporting that they are wearing a mask in indoor public places all or most of the time. Other research has shown that this number is still likely the lowest in the nation.”

The survey is the 10th of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 465 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.

Other findings from the latest survey:

— Over 60 percent of Wyomingites now say they would strongly or somewhat support an ordinance requiring people in their community to wear face masks when visiting indoor public places. Thirty percent say they strongly or somewhat oppose such an ordinance.

— A majority, 69 percent, of Wyomingites say they always or often wear face protection when in indoor public places. Alternatively, 19 percent say they rarely or never wear masks, a decrease of 5 points since October.

— Over a third, 38 percent, of Wyomingites say they are very or somewhat unlikely to get a vaccine for COVID-19 if one becomes available.

— Of those who say they are very or somewhat unlikely to get a vaccine for COVID-19, 70 percent cite a concern about potential side-effects as a major reason. Over half say that a major reason is that they do not think they need it, while 59 percent say a major reason they are unlikely to get the vaccine is they would like to see how well it works first.

— Almost half, 45 percent, of Wyomingites report that they have already received the flu vaccine for this season, while one-third of residents say they are somewhat or very unlikely to get the flu vaccine this year.

— Those who describe COVID-19 as a “real threat” stand at 53 percent, up 6 points from October, while 39 percent say it is “blown out of proportion,” down 6 points.

— Approval of the way Gov. Mark Gordon is handling the COVID-19 crisis remained steady, with 60 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. His net approval rating is at plus 24 points.

— A majority, 65 percent, say they trust the information they hear from the governor about COVID-19 a great deal or a good amount.

— Approval of the way President Donald Trump is handling the COVID-19 has remained steady, with 54 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. President Trump’s net approval rating is at plus 10.3 points.

— Less than half (47 percent) of Wyoming residents say they trust the information they hear from Trump about COVID-19 a great deal or a good amount.

— Just over a third, 34 percent, of Wyomingites say they trust the information they hear from Joe Biden about COVID-19 a great deal or a good amount.

— A large majority, 70 percent, say they trust the information they hear from their local government officials about COVID-19 a great deal or a good amount.

— Approval of the way Congress is handling the COVID-19 crisis remains low, with just 21 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way Congress is handling things, resulting in a net approval rating of minus 51 points.

To see the survey methodology, chart, figures and complete survey results, go to https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/6708

The survey was conducted Oct. 6, around the time when Wyoming was in the early stages of the current COVID-19 surge.

Over one-third of Wyomingites say they’re very or fairly anxious about the spread of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 7 percentage points from September, but still 4 points less than the Aug. 10 survey. Another 20 percent say they are somewhat anxious about the spread in Wyoming, while just over 40 percent of Wyoming residents say they are not at all anxious about the spread in Wyoming.

While just over one-third of Wyomingites say the worst is yet to come in the United States, 39 percent say the worst is yet to come in Wyoming — an increase of 10 percentage points since September. Only 17 percent think the worst is behind us, a decrease of 9 points.

A majority, 53 percent, of Wyoming residents say they have confidence in the Wyoming health care system to handle the response to COVID-19, while 29 percent say they do not have confidence.

“Despite an increase in anxiety surrounding COVID-19 in Wyoming, we see self-reported facemask use remain steady at just over 60 percent of the state population,” says Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist in charge of the project at WYSAC. “This compares to roughly 85 percent of the national population that say they have worn a mask or covering all or most of the time when in stores or other businesses.”

The survey is the ninth of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 505 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

Other findings from the latest survey:

— Those who describe COVID-19 as a “real threat” stand at 47 percent, up 2 points from September, while 46 percent say it is “blown out of proportion,” down 2 points.

— Just under two-thirds, 65 percent, of Wyomingites say they are very or somewhat concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their personal finances.

— A slight majority, 55 percent, say they support a limit on public gatherings as a policy to slow the spread of COVID-19, an increase of 4.4 points since September. Alternatively, just 21 percent say they support the closure of K-12 schools, and 19 percent support the closure of daycare centers, a decrease of 7 points each since September.

— A majority, 61 percent, of Wyomingites say they always or often wear a facemask when in indoor public places. Alternatively, 24 percent say they rarely or never wear a mask.

— Approval of the way Gov. Mark Gordon is handling the COVID-19 crisis declined, with 60 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things — a decrease of 6 percentage points.  His net approval rating is at plus 24.7 points.

— A large majority, 71 percent, say they trust the information they hear from the governor about COVID-19 a great deal or a good amount.

— Approval of the way President Donald Trump is handling the COVID-19 has remained steady, with 55 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. President Trump’s net approval rating is at plus 11.7 points.

— Exactly half (50 percent) of Wyoming residents say they trust the information they hear from Trump about COVID-19 a great deal or a good amount.

— Regarding the way local government and health officials are handling the COVID-19 crisis, 64 percent say they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way they are handling things, resulting in a net approval rating of plus 32.7 points.

— A large majority, 73 percent, say they trust the information they hear from their local government officials about COVID-19 a great deal or a good amount.

— Approval of the way Congress is handling the COVID-19 crisis remains low, with just 19 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way Congress is handling things, resulting in a net approval rating of minus 53.8 points.

To see the survey methodology, chart, figures and complete survey results, download the full report: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/6706

The survey was conducted Sept. 8, about a week before Wyoming hit all-time highs in the daily number of new confirmed cases of the infection.

Just 30.4 percent of Wyomingites say they’re very or fairly anxious about the spread of COVID-19 in the state, down 11.3 percent from the Aug. 10 survey. Likewise, those who are very or somewhat worried someone in their immediate family might catch COVID-19 dropped 8.6 points to 51 percent.

Regarding attendance at outdoor public events, 54 percent say they would be extremely or somewhat comfortable with groups of up to 250 people, with 52 percent extremely or somewhat comfortable with groups of over 250. Those percentages increased by 8 and 9 percentage points, respectively, from Aug. 10.

Additionally, the percentages of people who support state government policies to slow the spread of COVID-19 decreased across the board. Just 28.5 percent support closing K-12 schools, down 4.4 percent from Aug. 10; 26.4 percent support closing day care centers, down 5 percent; 26.4 percent support closing restaurants and bars, down 6.5 percent; and 19.9 percent support shelter-in-place orders, down 1.6 percent.

A slim majority, 51 percent, support state limits on public gatherings, but that’s down 7.7 percent from Aug. 10. And 52 percent still support local ordinances requiring people to wear face protection in indoor public places, but that’s down from 60 percent in August.

At the same time, 62 percent of Wyomingites say they always or often wear face protection in indoor public places, down just 4 percent from Aug. 10 and higher than the 48 percent figure recorded in mid-July.

“It is clear from these numbers that the level of discomfort and concern about COVID-19 declined between Aug. 10 and Sept. 8, but people are still doing things to avoid the virus — such as wearing face protection, eating out less and washing their hands more frequently,” says Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist in charge of the project at WYSAC. “Still, it’s worth noting that the percentages of people taking those actions have declined.”

The survey is the eighth of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 503 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

Other findings from the latest survey:

— The percentages of people who think “the worst is behind us” (29.6 percent) and “the worst is yet to come” (31.9 percent) with COVID-19 in the U.S. are almost identical, with 20.8 percent unsure. In August, 42.3 percent though the worst was yet to come.

— Those who describe COVID-19 as a “real threat” stand at 45.2 percent, down 7.6 points from August, while 47.4 percent say it is “blown out of proportion,” up 8.3 percent.

— Approval of the way Gov. Mark Gordon is handling the COVID-19 crisis remains high, with 67 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. Gordon’s net approval rating (approval minus disapproval) is at plus 37.6 percent.

— Approval of the way President Donald Trump is handling the COVID-19 has increased since July, with 56 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. President Trump’s net approval rating is at plus 18.1 points, up 16.1 points since July.

— Regarding the way local government and health officials are handling the COVID-19 crisis, 63 percent say they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way they are handling things.

— Approval of the way Congress is handling the COVID-19 crisis remains low, with just 15 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way Congress is handling things and 76 percent saying they disapprove.

To see the survey methodology, chart, figures and complete survey results, view the complete report: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/6703

The survey, conducted Monday, August 10, is the seventh of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 503 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, ages, and genders, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

When asked about the previous two weeks, 44 percent of Wyoming residents say they always wore a facemask when in indoor public places, an increase of 15 percentage points from last month.  Additionally, 22 percent say they wore a mask often, an increase of 2 percentage points.

Almost half (47 percent) of Wyoming residents say they would strongly support an ordinance that required people in their community to wear a face mask when visiting indoor public places, with an additional 13 percent saying they would somewhat support an ordinance.

When asked if they would support an ordinance requiring facemask use in outdoor public places, 21 percent of Wyoming residents say they would strongly support this, while 19 percent said they would somewhat support.

To see the survey methodology, chart, figures and complete survey results, download the full report: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/6700

Asked about a face mask ordinance in their communities requiring use in outdoor public places, 56 percent opposed, while 36 percent said they would support.

The survey, conducted Tuesday, July 14, is the sixth of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 504 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

“We see an increase for all face mask-related topics since we began measuring in these items in March,” says Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist in charge of the project at WYSAC. “Nearly half of all Wyoming residents now say they wear masks when visiting indoor public places, while over half say they would support local ordinances requiring use in indoor public places.”

Comfort levels for attending outdoor events in Wyoming this summer and fall have decreased since June, with 45 percent of residents saying they would be comfortable attending an outdoor event with up to 250 people — down from 56 percent in June. When considering outdoor events with more than 250 people, 40 percent of residents say they would be comfortable attending — down from 52 percent in June.

People were asked a series of questions regarding factors that might make them more or less likely to attend outdoor events this summer or fall:

— 40 percent say they would be more likely to attend if face masks were required of all attendees, while 35 percent said they would be less likely.

— 31 percent say they would be more likely to attend if there were special “safe zones” or similarly designated areas where face mask use and social distancing were required and enforced; 25 percent say they would be less likely to attend.

— If face mask use were optional, 23 percent say they would be more likely to attend, while 40 percent say they would be less likely to attend.

— If all attendees had a temperature check upon entry, 38 percent say they would be more likely to attend, while 16 percent say they would be less likely to attend.

— If hand-sanitizing stations were available throughout the venue, 47 percent say they would be more likely to attend, while 4 percent say they would be less likely to attend.

— 42 percent say they would be more likely to attend an outdoor event if social distancing rules for attendees were enforced everywhere at the event, while 24 percent say they would be less likely to attend.

— If there were maximum occupancy/attendee numbers enforced to promote social distancing, 44 percent say they would be more likely to attend, while 17 percent say they would be less likely to attend.

— If there were no social distancing rules, 15 percent say they would be more likely to attend, while 53 percent say they would be less likely to attend an outdoor event this summer or fall.

Since the last survey iteration June 8, there has been an increase in the proportion of people who who support policies enacted to limit public gatherings, with 61 percent saying they support such policies, an increase of 4 percentage points. However, support for the closure of K-12 schools, day care centers, and bars and restaurants continues to decline, as does support for a “shelter-in-place” order.

Concerns related to COVID-19 increased for almost all aspects in this survey iteration, a reversal of the downward trend observed since March:

— 25 percent say they are very anxious about the spread of COVID-19 in the United States (+13 points since June).

— 17 percent say they are very anxious about the spread of COVID-19 in Wyoming (+9 points since June).

— 45 percent think the worst is yet to come in the United States (+19 points since June).

— 42 percent think the worst is yet to come in Wyoming (+14 points since June).

— Asked if they think COVID-19 is a real threat or blown out of proportion, 53 percent believe it is a real threat, an increase of 9 points since June.

— 23 percent of residents now say they are worried someone in their immediate family might catch COVD-19, an increase of 9 points since June.

Approval of the way Gov. Mark Gordon is handling the COVID-19 crisis remains high, with 66 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. Gordon’s net approval rating (approval minus disapproval) is at plus 35 percent.

Approval of the way President Donald Trump is handling the COVID-19 decreases significantly, with 49 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. President Trump’s net approval rating is at plus 2 points, down from plus 17 points in June.

Regarding the way local government and health officials are handling the COVID-19 crisis, 66 percent say they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way they are handling things.

Approval of the way Congress is handling the COVID-19 crisis decreased 7 percentage points, with 25 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way Congress is handling things. The net approval rating for congress is minus 39 percentage points.

To see the survey methodology, chart, figures and complete survey results, go to https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/6695 .

Fifty-seven percent of residents say they are extremely or somewhat comfortable with attending outdoor events with up to 250 people in Wyoming this summer or fall. On the other hand, 33 percent say they are somewhat or extremely uncomfortable.

When considering events with more than 250 people, 52 percent of Wyomingites say they are extremely or somewhat comfortable attending. Alternatively, 38 percent say they are somewhat or extremely uncomfortable attending outdoor events of this size.

The survey, conducted Monday, June 8, is the fifth of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 498 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

“Moving forward, we will start measuring what factors will make more Wyoming residents feel comfortable attending outdoor events this year,” says Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist in charge of the project at WYSAC. “We hope this information will prove useful to not only state and local health officials, but also to event organizers around the state.”

Here are some of the latest survey’s key findings:

— A quarter of Wyoming residents say they are not changing their daily routine specifically because of COVID-19, and increase of 9 points from one month ago.

— Over half (58 percent) of residents say they are not attending public gatherings, a decrease of 12 percentage points since May. Fifty-eight percent also say they are washing their hands more frequently, a decrease of 8 points. A 10-point decrease was observed in those who say they are avoiding physical contact with others, going from 68 percent in May to 58 percent at present.

— One-quarter of Wyoming residents say they always wear masks when in indoor public spaces, contrasting with 28 percent who say they never wear masks when in those spaces.

— Thirty-eight percent of residents say it is very likely that they will be vaccinated for COVID-19 if it becomes available, a decrease of 11 points from one month ago. Just over a quarter (26 percent) say it is very unlikely that they will get the vaccine.

— Fewer people are reporting difficulty purchasing household items, with 36 percent saying they have had difficulty in the past two weeks, a decrease of 15 points from a month ago. Similarly, 33 percent say they have experienced difficulty purchasing groceries or other food they wanted, a decrease of 13 points from a month ago.

— Approval of the way Gov. Mark Gordon is handling the COVID-19 crisis remains high, with 70 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. Gordon’s net approval rating (approval minus disapproval) is at plus 46 percent.

— Approval of the way President Donald Trump is handling the COVID-19 crisis has remained steady, with 56 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. Trump’s net approval rating a plus 17 points.

— Regarding the way local government and health officials are handling the COVID-19 crisis, 68 percent say they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way they are handling things. The net approval for these entities is at plus 42 percentage points, a decrease of 4 points from two weeks ago.

— Approval of the way Congress is handling the COVID-19 crisis decreased 3 percentage points, with 32 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way Congress is handling things. The net approval rating for Congress is minus 26 percentage points.

To see the survey methodology, chart, figures, and complete survey results, download the full report: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/6694

Over two-thirds (70 percent) of Wyoming residents say they support the closure of K-12 schools, down from 85 percent at the end of March. Some 59 percent support the closure of bars and restaurants, down from 82 percent in March. And 39 percent of Wyomingites say they support a “shelter-in-place” order, down from 44 percent two weeks ago and 54 percent at the end of March.

“While we do see majority support for all policies other than a shelter-in-place order, support for all policies has declined steadily since we started collecting data in March,” says Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist in charge of the project at WYSAC. “Additionally, the only preventative measure that Wyomingites say they are taking that increased from two weeks ago is the use of PPE such as masks and gloves, while nearly all other types of preventative behaviors showed a decrease from the last iteration.”

The survey, conducted Monday, May 11, is the fourth of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 473 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.

Here are the numbers regarding major policies to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, compared to two weeks ago:

— 70 percent say they support the closure of K-12 schools, a decrease of 6 percentage points.

— 62 percent say they support the closure of daycare centers, a decrease of 5 percentage points.

— 59 percent say they support the closure of restaurants and bars, a decrease of 5 percentage points.

— 67 percent say they support the limiting of public gatherings, a decrease of 7 percentage points.

— 39 percent say they support a “shelter-in-place” order, a decrease of 5 percentage points.

Here are some of the new survey’s other key findings:

— The number of people in Wyoming who say they are not changing their daily routine due to COVID-19 has increased 3 percentage points from two weeks ago to 15 percent. The number of people who say they have changed their daily routine a lot has decreased 5 percentage points to 43 percent, while 42 percent say they have changed their routine a little.

— A majority of Wyoming residents (51 percent) now say they wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or gloves in public spaces, representing the only increase in precautions taken by Wyoming residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

— Large decreases occurred for those reporting that they are declining visits from friends and family (39 percent, a decrease of 7 points), and for avoiding houses of worship (39 percent, a decrease of 7 points).

— Fewer people report that they are not attending public gatherings (70 percent, a decrease of 5 points), eating out less (67 percent, a decrease of 4 points) and spending more time at home (69 percent, a decrease of 4 points).

— Approval of the way Gov. Mark Gordon is handling the COVID-19 crisis remains high, with 74 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. Gordon’s net approval rating (approval minus disapproval) remains high at plus 50 percentage points.

— Approval of the way President Donald Trump is handling the COVID-19 crisis decreased slightly again, with 57 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. President Trump’s net approval rating decreased by 3.7 percentage points to plus 17 points.

— Regarding the way local government and health officials are handling the COVID-19 crisis, 70 percent say they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way they are handling things — reflecting a 7 percentage point decrease from two weeks ago. The net approval for this group is at plus 46 percentage points, a decrease of 13 points from two weeks ago.

— Approval of the way Congress is handling the COVID-19 crisis decreased 7 percentage points, with 35 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way Congress is handling things. The net approval rating for congress is minus 12 percentage points.

— Over a third (35 percent) of Wyoming residents say they are very anxious or fairly anxious about the spread of COVID-19 in Wyoming. Another 33 percent say they are somewhat anxious, while 32 percent say they are not at all anxious.

— Nearly a quarter (23 percent) of Wyoming residents say that COVID-19 is not likely to be a major problem in Wyoming, while 22 percent say the worst is behind us. Some 39 percent of residents say that the worst is yet to come.

— While the proportion of Wyoming residents who think COVID-19 is a real threat remained steady at 54 percent, the number who say it is blown out of proportion increased 4 points to 40 percent, while those who are unsure decrease 4 points to 6 percent.

— More Wyoming residents report that they are very unlikely to get a vaccine for COVID-19 if one becomes available, with 23 percent saying this is the case, an increase of 4 points. Additionally, 12 percent say it is somewhat unlikely, an increase of 4 points. Nearly half (49 percent) say they are very likely to get a vaccine, while 17 percent say they are somewhat likely.

To see the survey methodology, chart, figures and complete survey results, download the issue brief: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/reports/View/6693

Of the roughly one-third of Wyomingites who say they or someone in their immediate family has lost their jobs, 64 percent say it’s likely those jobs or employment will return. Of the over half of Wyomingites who say they or someone in their immediate family have seen reductions in hours or pay, 73 percent are optimistic those hours or wages will be restored.

The survey, conducted Monday, April 27, is the third of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 496 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

“While most Wyoming residents continue to take the situation seriously, fewer residents are reporting that they are taking preventative measures,” says Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist in charge of the project at WYSAC. “While we do see an increase to nearly half of residents saying they now wear personal protective items in public places, we also see a decline in the number of people avoiding physical contact or turning down visits from friends or family, for example.”

Here are some of this survey’s key findings:

— Of those who report that they or someone in their family has been laid off or lost their jobs (35 percent), 64 percent say it is likely that the jobs or employment will return. Twenty percent say it is unlikely, while 17 percent are unsure if the jobs will return.

— Of those who report that they or someone in their family has seen work hours or pay reduced (57 percent), 73 percent say it is likely that these hours or pay will be restored. Fifteen percent say it is unlikely, while 12 percent are unsure if these hours or pay will be restored.

— Approval of the way Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon is handling the COVID-19 crisis remains high, with 75 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. Gordon’s net approval rating (approval minus disapproval) remains high at plus 54 percentage points.

— Approval of the way President Donald Trump is handling the COVID-19 crisis decreased slightly, with 59 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way he is handling things. Trump’s net approval rating decreased by 5.6 percentage points to plus 20.5 percentage points.

— Approval of the way local government and health officials are handling the COVID-19 crisis remains high, with 77 percent saying they strongly approve or somewhat approve of the way they are handling things. The net approval remains high for this group at plus 59 percentage points.

— Concern about the impact of COVID-19 on the economy continues to increase, with 76 percent saying they are very concerned.

Meanwhile, support for major policies to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 continue to decline:

— 76 percent say they support the closure of K-12 schools, a decrease of 8 percentage points.

— 67 percent say they support the closure of daycare centers, a decrease of 11 percentage points.

— 64 percent say they support the closure of restaurants and bars, a decrease of 12 percentage points.

— 74 percent say they support the limiting of public gatherings, a decrease of 8 percentage points.

— 44 percent say they support a “shelter-in-place” order, a decrease of 4 percentage points.

Fewer Wyomingites say they are following the news about COVID-19 very closely: 43 percent say this is the case, a decrease of 6 percentage points from two weeks ago and a decrease of 14 points from a month ago.

More Wyoming residents say they believe the worst is behind us (20 percent) than did two weeks ago (14 percent). Some 37 percent of residents say the worst is yet to come, a decrease of 10 points from two weeks ago.

While the number of people in Wyoming who say they have not changed their daily routine because of COVID-19 remains steady (12.5 percent), there has been an observable shift from those who say they have changed it a lot to those who say they have changed it a little:

— Nearly 48 percent of residents say they have changed their routine a lot, a decrease of nearly 7 points from two weeks ago. Alternatively, nearly 40 percent say they have changed their routine a little — an increase of nearly 5 points.

— 71 percent of residents say they are avoiding physical contact with others, a decrease of 8 percentage points from two weeks ago.

— 46 percent say they are avoiding houses of worship, and 47 percent say they are declining visits from friends and family — a decrease of roughly 5 points for each from two weeks ago.

— Fewer people say they are spending more time at home in response to the COVID-19 crisis (73 percent) than said they were two weeks ago (78 percent).

— More people report that they are wearing personal protective items in public spaces than said so two weeks ago, with almost half (49 percent) saying they now do this — an increase of 4 percentage points.

Fewer Wyoming residents feel COVID-19 is a real threat that did two weeks ago, with 54 percent saying so now — a decrease of 7 points from two weeks ago. Alternatively, 36 percent say it is blown out of proportion — an increase of 7 points.

There is a trend of an increasing proportion of people who say they are very unlikely to get a vaccine for COVID-19 if one becomes available, with 19 percent saying they are very unlikely to now. Two weeks ago, 15 percent said they were very unlikely, while a month ago 10 percent said this.

Significantly fewer residents say they have had problems in the last two weeks buying the groceries and/or household items they need. Some 62 percent say they have experienced problems buying groceries or other food items, a decrease of 15 points from two weeks ago. Some 49 percent say they have experienced difficulty purchasing household items, a decrease of 18 points from two weeks ago.

To see the survey methodology, chart, figures, and complete survey results, download the full report.

Additionally, over 60 percent of the state’s residents or members of their immediate families have seen their work hours or pay cut because of the pandemic.

The survey, conducted April 13, is the second of multiple surveys WYSAC is conducting to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 494 Wyoming residents participated in the survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

“We are happy to have the ability field this research regularly throughout this pandemic,” said Brian Harnisch, senior research scientist in charge of the project at WYSAC. “We hope this information continues to prove useful throughout this period to our state and local government officials, the media and our fellow Wyoming community members as a whole.”

Here are some of this survey’s key findings and comparisons with the results from two weeks ago:

— 39.5 percent of residents say they or members of their immediate families have been laid off or lost their jobs, an increase of 7.7 percentage points in the last two weeks.

— 61.1 percent say they or members of their immediate families have seen their work hours or pay cut, an increase of 4.8 percentage points in the last two weeks.

— 74.3 percent say they are very concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, an increase of 2.9 percentage points.

— 30.6 percent say they are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their personal finances, a decrease of 4.9 percentage points.

— 10.6 percent say they have not changed their daily routines specifically because of COVID-19, holding steady from 10.2 percent two weeks ago. Some 35.2 percent have changed their daily routine a little, while 54.2 percent said they have changed it a lot.

— 51.8 percent of residents say they are now declining visits from friends and family, an increase of 4.4 percentage points.

— 71.5 percent of residents say they are eating out less, which represents a decrease of 4 percentage points from two weeks ago.

— Nearly half (45.5 percent) of residents say they now wear personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, when in public places.

— Over 77 percent say they are avoiding physical contact with others, spending more time at home and not attending public gatherings — representing the top three changes people have made to their behaviors in response to COVID-19.

— 24.1 percent say that the worst is behind us in the United States, an increase of 16.9 percentage points. Some 44.1 percent say the worst is yet to come, a decrease from 66.6 percent from two weeks ago.

Regarding policies enacted to slow the spread of the virus, support remains high for the closure of K-12 schools, with 84.4 percent support (-.9 percentage points); closure of day care centers, with 78.2 percent support (-2.7 percentage points); and limiting public gatherings, with 82.2 percent support (-6.3 percentage points). Support for a “shelter-in-place” order decreased from 54.4 percent two weeks ago to 47.8 percent (-6.6 percentage points).

If a vaccine becomes available, 76.4 percent say they will likely get the vaccine — a decrease of 3.8 percentage points from two weeks ago. Alternatively, 14.6 percent say they are very unlikely to get the vaccine — an increase of 4.3 percentage points.

The survey also asked for perspectives on the way local, state and national leaders are handling the virus response. Results from those questions include:

— 62.0 percent approve and 35.8 disapprove of the way President Donald Trump is handling COVID-19 — representing a net approval of +26.1 points, a decrease of 1.9 points from two weeks ago. Some 57.6 percent say they trust what they hear about the virus from him, an increase of 1.9 percentage points.

— 76.1 percent approve and 20.8 disapprove of the way Gov. Mark Gordon is handling COVID-19 — representing a net approval rating of +55.3 points, a decrease of 12.6 points from two weeks ago. Some 84.1 percent say they trust what they hear about the virus from him, a decrease of 2.7 percentage points.

— 41.9 percent approve and 49.5 percent disapprove of the way Congress is handling COVID-19 — representing a net approval rating of -7.6 points, a decrease of 2.2 points from two weeks ago.

— 77.4 percent approve and 18.6 percent disapprove of the way their local government and health officials are handling COVID-19 — representing a net approval rating of +58.8, a decrease of 3.7 percentage points from two weeks ago. Some 83.2 percent say they trust what they hear about the virus from them, a decrease of 2.6 percentage points.

This survey also asked how much people trust the information they hear about COVID-19 from the national news media, with 41.5 percent saying they trust what they hear a great deal or a good amount. Some 58.5 percent say they trust what they hear not very much or not at all.

Asked about how much they trust what they hear about COVID-19 from their local news media, 66.6 percent said they trust what they hear a great deal or a good amount, while 33.4 percent say they trust what they hear not very much or not at all.

Finally, asked if they think COVID-19 is a real threat or blown out of proportion, 61.0 percent say it is a real threat a 2.1 percentage point decrease; 28.8 percent say its blown out of proportion, a 4.6 percentage point increase; and 10.2 percent are unsure, a 1.8 percentage point decrease.

To see the survey methodology, questions, and complete presentation of results, download the report here.

And, more than half of the state’s residents or their immediate family members have seen reductions in work hours or pay because of the pandemic, with nearly three-quarters expressing deep concern about the impact of coronavirus on the economy.

The survey, conducted Monday, is the first of multiple surveys WYSAC plans to measure public opinion on a number of topics related to COVID-19. A total of 465 people participated in the weighted survey representing all Wyoming counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.

Here are some of the survey findings:

• 31.9 percent of respondents said they or immediate family members had been laid off or lost their jobs.
• 56.3 percent said they or immediate family members had seen a reduction in work hours or pay.
• 71.4 percent were very concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, with 22.7 percent somewhat concerned. Only 5.7 percent were not concerned.
•  75 percent were concerned about the impact of the coronavirus on their personal finances, with 24.9 percent not concerned.
• 89.8 percent said they’ve changed their daily routines because of the outbreak, with over 80 percent of those saying they’re eating out less, avoiding physical contact with others, washing their hands more frequently, not attending public gatherings and spending more time at home.
• About 66 percent said they think the worst is yet to come.

Regarding policies enacted to slow the spread of the virus, more than 80 percent supported the closure of schools, day care centers and restaurants, along with limitations on public gatherings. More than half — 54.4 percent — would support a state-level “shelter-in-place” order, with 22.3 percent opposed and 23.3 percent uncertain.

If a vaccine becomes available for COVID-19, 80.2 percent said they would be likely to seek the vaccine.

The survey also asked for perspectives on the way local, state and national leaders are handling the virus response. Results from those questions include:

• 62.2 percent approve and 34.3 percent disapprove of President Donald Trump’s performance on the issue, with 55.7 percent saying they trust the information about COVID-19 they hear from him and 44.3 percent saying they don’t.
• 81.9 percent approve and 14.1 percent disapprove of Gov. Mark Gordon’s handling of the situation, with 86.9 percent saying they trust the information he provides and 13.2 percent saying they don’t.
• 78.4 percent approve and 15.9 percent disapprove of the way local government and health officials are handling the outbreak, with 85.7 percent say they trust the information they hear from those sources and 14.3 percent saying they don’t.
• 47.6 percent say they approve of the way Congress is handling the pandemic, with 45.5 percent disapproving.

When it comes to the U.S. and Wyoming health care systems’ ability to handle the response to the pandemic, close to 51 percent said they have confidence in that ability, and about 30 percent said they don’t, with about 19.5 percent unsure.

Finally, asked if they think COVID-19 is a real threat or blown out of proportion, 63.8 percent said it’s a real threat, 24.2 percent said it’s blown out of proportion, and 12 percent were unsure.

Read the Issue Brief