Arkansas poll shows growing majority support for marijuana legalization ballot initiative as top Republicans urge ‘No’ vote
Despite Arkansas’s governor and conservative officials’ attempt to convince voters to say ‘NO’ to the cannabis legalization initiative that will appear on the November ballot, a new Arkansas poll found that “59 percent of likely voters in Arkansas are in favor of the ballot measure, with just 29 percent opposed and 13 percent undecided.”
The Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College survey focused on respondents talking specifically about the initiative, rather than the general concept of legalization, reported Marijuana Moment. Moreover, the same company surveyed voters on the issue, and “54 percent said they backed the policy change.” Now support is notably higher for the specific ballot question.
“On November 8th, voters will be asked to consider one proposed constitutional amendment proposed by the people. Issue 4 would authorize the possession, personal use, and consumption of cannabis by adults in Arkansas sold by licensed adult-use dispensaries and provide for the regulation of those facilities. If the election were held today, would you vote for or against Issue 4?” reads the language of the latest question.
The poll revealed majority support across multiple demographic groups, with even plural support among Republicans, despite a stronger push by GOP lawmakers to persuade voters to reject the measure. “Among Democrats, 75 percent said they favor the ballot initiative. And independents back legalization at 63 percent”
“Because of the divide among Republicans, this strong performance by No. 4 puts GOP candidates in a tough spot deciding whether to stay quiet or oppose the measure,” said Jay Barth, professor at Hendrix College, in an analysis. “On the other hand, we are likely to see Democratic candidates take a stronger stance in support of Issue 4 as they try to stick to a popular measure, particularly among lower-propensity younger voters,” Barth added. “The biggest question of all, of course: will those votes count?”
Methodology: “The survey of 835 likely Arkansas voters was conducted Sept. 12, 2022, and has a margin of error of +/- 3.8%,” reads a statement.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R), U.S. Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR), and John Boozman (R-AR) are among the conservative voices asking voters to oppose the initiative. However, it’s up to the state Supreme Court to decide if the vote will count on the November ballot.
