Most voters say keeping subway open during coronavirus more dangerous than re-opening beaches

'Republicans, by a 66% to 17% margin, believe that the New York subway decision was worse,' Rasmussen said

Published: May 11, 2020 11:26am

Updated: May 26, 2020 7:06pm

Most American voters say keeping the New York City subway open during the coronavirus is more risky than re-opening Florida beaches, according to the Just the News Daily Poll with Scott Rasmussen.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of voters believe the decision of New York officials to keep subways open and running 24 hours a day throughout the pandemic was more dangerous than the decision of Florida officials to recently re-open some beaches. However, 30% take the opposite view and think opening beaches was more dangerous. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure.

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Just the News Poll, Are subways or beaches being open during coronavirus more dangerous?
Just the News Daily Poll
With Scott Rasmussen

"Once again, it’s clear that the question has tapped into newly created symbolism," Rasmussen said. "Republicans, by a 66% to 17% margin, believe that the New York subway decision was worse. Independents agree by a 48% to 24% margin. Democrats, on the other hand, are fairly evenly divided. Forty-five percent (45%) say Florida took the more dangerous route while 39% point to New York."

(New York during the polling, from May 7 to 9, suspended subway service from 1 a.m. until 5 a.m. to disinfect cars.)

Rasmussen said one factor influencing these results may stem from the fact that New York has a Democratic governor while Florida has a Republican in the governor’s mansion.

"However, it’s probably more than that," he said. "And, for most people – especially partisans – it probably has little to do with a careful consideration of the health implications. Instead, the actions are measured by what they seemed to represent. Florida’s decision to partially re-open the beaches was widely reported as a symbolic step toward ending the lockdowns. Since Democrats are far more likely to support extending the lockdowns, the symbolic re-opening was seen as dangerous to many. On the other hand, Republicans are more interested in easing the restrictions and re-opening society. For them, the symbolism of re-opening a beach was a cause for celebration."

Just the News Daily Poll respondents were asked “Which was more dangerous – the decision of Florida officials to recently re-open some beaches or the decision of New York officials to keep subways open and running 24 hours a day throughout the pandemic?" They replied as below:

  • 30% Florida’s decision to open some beaches
  • 51% New York’s decision to keep subways open and running
  • 20% Not Sure

The national survey of 1,200 registered voters was conducted May 7-9, 2020 by Rasmussen, a polling veteran. Margin of sampling error: +/- 2.8% for full sample. 

To see the full demographic cross-tabulations for this polling question, click below:

To see the methodology and sample demographics for this polling question, click below:

 

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Just the News Poll, Are subways or beaches being open during coronavirus more dangerous?
Just the News Daily Poll
With Scott Rasmussen

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