Vanderbilt Poll: Tennessee General Assembly is at odds with voters
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The Tennessee Legislature is out of step with the voters it represents on key issues, including gun control and abortion, according to the newest Vanderbilt Poll.
State of play: The new poll of Tennessee voters, released Thursday, shows broad bipartisan support for gun control measures, including efforts to restrict gun possession for high-risk individuals.
- 76% of respondents supported a law requiring gun owners to ensure that firearms stored in vehicles are secure.
- 80% said they supported background check requirements for firearm sales at gun shows.
- More than three-quarters favored restricting gun possession for "high-risk individuals."
Yes, but: Gun control measures, including Gov. Bill Lee's proposal to temporarily keep guns away from people deemed a threat to themselves or others, floundered during a special session on public safety in August.
- The Republican supermajority blocked most debate on gun control measures.
By the numbers: The Vanderbilt Poll found 77% of Tennessee voters support allowing abortions in cases of incest or rape.
- That includes nearly 65% of Republicans and nearly 80% of independents.
- But an effort to add incest or rape exceptions to Tennessee's strict abortion ban stalled earlier this year.
Between the lines: The poll found a historic low in support for the General Assembly, with 42% saying they supported Tennessee lawmakers.
Meanwhile: Former President Trump remains the heavy favorite for president among Tennessee Republicans, with 56% support.
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came in second with 20%.
- The poll did find Trump's support would drop significantly if he's convicted of a felony ahead of the presidential election.
Of note: The fall 2023 Vanderbilt Poll was conducted Nov. 14-Dec. 2 and included 1,005 registered voters in Tennessee.