Media Relations Update June 5, 2020

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Californians Strongly Support Vote by Mail; Statewide Survey Examines California Sentiments During COVID-19

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) routinely conducts a statewide survey examining individual sentiments about government officials, the economy, and critical issues. The most recent survey considers the impacts of COVID-19 on the Governor’s approval rating as well as top concerns among Californians. Of keen interest to us, the survey showed that the overwhelming majority of Californians support expanding Vote-by-Mail. “Governor Newsom recently directed county election officials to send vote-by-mail ballots for the November election to all registered voters. An overwhelming majority of likely voters (73%) say this is a good idea, while just 24 percent say it is a bad idea.” The survey was good news for Governor Gavin Newsom as 65% of California adults approved of his overall job performance, and they gave him a 69% approval rating for his management of COVID-19. Respondents said that jobs and the economy are among the top issues that the state is facing, preceded only by the coronavirus. While 71% of people said that California is in a recession, 58% believe that the state is “going in the right direction” to resolve economic issue s.

PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government May 2020 (p. 6)

The majority of Californians seem to be united on their sentiments about the Governor and state issues, but there are divides among those surveyed about the revised state budget. When provided with a brief summary, individuals responded 43% in favor and 43% opposed. Overall, 46% of adults said that the state budget is a “big problem.” This survey demonstrates that Californians are largely optimistic about the state's trajectory and handling of COVID-19, though there are notable coronavirus in general, and the impact on jobs and the economy. For more survey results, read the full report online.

Roger Salazar, President rsalazar@alzamedia.com l (916) 284-1255 Hilary McLean, Partner hilary@alzamedia.com l (916) 203-7274

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