7/23: A Slice of New York Life

Are you thinking about traveling to New York City, but are overwhelmed by the numerous landmarks and attractions at your fingertips?  Fuhgeddaboudit!  New York City registered voters know where to go!  And, here’s how they weigh in.

Statue of Liberty: Crowning Glory for Nearly One-Third of NYC Voters

There’s no question about it.  New York City is chock full of landmarks!  But which landmark is the most popular among city dwellers?  For 32% of registered voters in New York City, the answer is Lady Liberty.  The more than 1,500-foot main span of the Brooklyn Bridge comes in a distant second with 22%.  Standing 102 floors tall, the Empire State Building ties Grand Central Station for third place.  Each receives 15%.  With its Gothic architecture, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is the favorite among 10% of voters in the city, and William Van Alen’s art deco Chrysler Building pulls up the rear with 6%.

Table: Favorite NYC Landmark

Brooklyn Takes the Pie as Borough with Best Pizza

You want a slice of genuine New York pizza?  With a pizza place on virtually every corner, it’s hard to know where to go!  So, which borough can claim bragging rights for having the best pizza in the Big Apple?  37% of registered New York City voters say, “Brooklyn.”  A quarter reports Manhattan is the place to go.  12% prefer to pick up a slice in Queens, and 11% think The Bronx takes the prize.  Just 3% say Staten Island is the king of the pizza pie.

Table: Best Pizza in NYC

Marist Poll Methodology

7/13: New York City Baseball Banter

Major League Baseball is enjoying its annual All-Star break. Players from the American and National Leagues will duke it out at Baseball’s 80th All-Star Game; and with home field advantage for the World Series on the line, will either the Yankees or the Mets be affected come October?  Who’s better to ask than New York City baseball fans?

A New York Baseball State of Mind… Picking Sides

51% of New York City registered voters consider themselves baseball fans.  When these baseball fans were asked whether their allegiance is with the Mets or the Yankees, 53% pick the Pinstripes.  A little over one-third choose the Mets, and approximately one in ten say they don’t support either team.  Interestingly, New York City registered voters who are baseball fans with children in the household are more likely to be Yankee fans than those who have no children at home.  62% of households with children root for the Yankees compared with just 28% who cheer on the Mets.  Support for the Mets increases to 41% among baseball fans with no children in the household.

But, who has the better team in New York…the Yankees or the Mets?  With the All-Star break marking the proverbial end of the first half of the baseball season, 18% of New York City registered voters who say they are baseball fans, regardless of which team they support, think Jerry Manuel’s Mets are the better New York team.  However, more than seven in ten say the Yankees take to the diamond with the better team this season.  Even those who are Mets fans feel the first half belongs to the Yankees.  61% of those who support their team at Citi Field think the Yankees have the better team.  Not surprisingly, 84% of Bronx Bomber fans see the Yankees as the superior New York baseball club this season.

Table: NYC Baseball Fans
Table: Mets Fan or Yankees Fan?
Table: Better NYC Team

Benched Come October?

When voters who consider themselves baseball fans were asked the likelihood of the Mets playing in the World Series, many — 69% — say it’s not very likely or not likely at all that the Mets will be in the Fall Classic compared with 26% who find it very likely or likely.  Fans are more optimistic about the Yankees’ chances of making an appearance in the Big Show.  A majority  — 56% — think it is very likely or likely that Girardi’s team will be in the World Series.  This compares with 38% who do not think it is a likely scenario.  Even a majority of those who say they are Mets fans — 53% — find it likely that the Yankees will be in it ‘til the end.

Table: Mets World Series Chances
Table: Yankees World Series Chances

Interleague Play Hits Grand Slam

Even though the American and National Leagues meet in the All-Star Game and the World Series, do registered voters who say they are baseball fans like the idea of interleague play during the regular season? The answer is an overwhelming, “Yes!”  80% of baseball fans think it’s a good idea.  Those who are Yankee fans tend to like this practice more than those who are Mets fans with 85% and 75%, respectively, approving of the two leagues battling it out during the regular season.  Those under 45 years of age and those who have children in the household are also more likely to think interleague play is a good idea.

Table: Interleague Play: Good or Bad Idea?

Subway Series a “Must Have?”

And, what about the regular season Subway Series between the Yankees and the Mets?  Voters in New York City who are baseball fans say, “Bring it on!” 80% like that the two New York baseball teams square off during the regular season, including 42% who like it a great deal.  Mets and Yankees fans concur.  77% of “7 train riders” and 83% of “4 train fans” like the battle for bragging rights in New York.

Table: Enjoy Subway Series?

Marist Poll Methodology

7/9: Most NYS Voters Expect Economic Recovery to Take Time

Is New York State’s economic recovery imminent?  Three-quarters of registered voters statewide aren’t holding their breath.  That’s the proportion who believe the current economic crisis will last more than a year while only 4% say it will last less than 6 months.  21% think it will endure between 6 months and a year.

Most members of the electorate are also pessimistic about the current state of the economy.  Just 8% of those polled believe the state’s economy is getting better right now.  This compares with 46% who believe the economy is getting worse and 46% who think the economy is staying about the same.

Age makes a difference.  Nearly half of voters 45 years of age and older believe the economy is still going to get worse compared with a majority of younger voters who think things have leveled off.



Table: How Long Will Economic Crisis Last?
Table: New York State Economy

Getting Personal…Family Finances in the Coming Year

A majority of New York registered voters — 55% — think their personal family finances will stay about the same in the coming year.  This compares with 20% who believe their finances will get better and 25% who think their circumstances will worsen.

Although a majority statewide thinks their families’ money matters will stay the same, income plays a role.  About three in ten residents who earn less than $50,000 annually think their financial picture will get worse in the coming year.  This compares with 27% of voters with a household income of at least $50,000 but less than $100,000 and 18% of households with an annual income of $100,000 or more who are worried their family finances will decline in the coming year.

Table: Family Finances in Coming Year

Marist Poll Methodology

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7/9: 77% of NYS Voters Know Someone Who’s Lost Job

7/9: 77% of NYS Voters Know Someone Who’s Lost Job

In a poll that suggests the vast repercussions of the economic crisis, 77% of New York State registered voters say they personally know someone who has lost their job in the last 6 months.

More voters in New York City and in the suburbs say they know someone who has lost his/her job during that timeframe.  82% of city voters and 79% of those in the suburbs report this to be the case.  This compares with 74% Upstate.

Slight differences are also apparent among income groups.  82% of people with an income of $100,000 or more say they know someone who’s joined the ranks of the unemployed in the last half-year, while 77% of those making between $50,000 and $99,999 and 74% of those making less than $50,000 say the same.

Table: Personally Know Someone Who Lost a Job

Social Networking and Job Loss…Potential Pitfall?

Social networking may be getting a lot of hype, but it hasn’t yet seduced a majority of New York voters.  Only 31% say they personally have a profile on a social networking website such as MySpace or Facebook.

Those who do have a profile divide over whether it’s wise for someone to use a social networking site to tell everyone they have lost their job.  49% say they’re more likely to describe someone who does so as “smart,” but 41% say they’re more likely to call that person, “desperate.”  10% are unsure.

Educational background affects one’s stance on this issue.  55% of college graduates say “smart” compared with 41% of those who aren’t college graduates.

Overall, who is more likely to utilize social networking sites?  Voters with higher incomes are more likely to join these online networks.  42% of those making $100,000 or more have a profile, compared with 32% of those with incomes between $50,000 and $99,999 and only 27% of those making less than $50,000.

Not surprisingly, younger voters are more likely to jump on the social networking bandwagon.  54% of those under 45 have a profile, while only 19% of those over 45 have one.  On the question of whether they’d call a person who announces their unemployment as “smart” or “desperate,” those under 45 divide while a majority of those 45 and older consider it to be a smart move.

And, social networking has taken the 18-to-29 age group by storm: a whopping 74% of those Web users have a profile on MySpace, Facebook and their ilk.

Table: Do You, Personally, Have a Social Networking Profile?
Table: Announcing Unemployment Online

Marist Poll Methodology

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7/9: Most NYS Voters Expect Economic Recovery to Take Time

7/8: Bloomberg Approval Rating at 58%

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s approval rating may have waned a bit back in February, but by the looks of The Marist Poll’s new citywide survey, the mayor is on solid ground.  58% of registered New York City voters report Bloomberg is doing either an excellent or good job in office while 40% say he is performing fairly well or poorly.  The mayor received similar ratings when Marist last asked this question in May.  At that time, the mayor rebounded from Marist’s February survey when he received a lower, albeit still strong, approval rating — 52%.

Although Bloomberg’s approval rating crosses party lines, race comes into play.  68% of white voters and 64% of Latino voters give the mayor above average marks.  This compares with just 37% of African American voters who share this view.

What does the electorate think about the city’s trajectory?  A majority is positive about the city’s path.  52% report the city is moving in the right direction.  This is compared with 38% who believe the opposite is true.  Similar proportions of voters said the same in Marist’s May survey.

Table: Bloomberg Approval Rating

Table: NYC Direction

“Hard Working, Knows Our Problems, and a Good Leader, But Caring Mayor…Mike Is Not,” Says Voters

As in The Marist Poll’s May survey, voters in the Big Apple say they like Mike!  78% of the electorate thinks Bloomberg is working hard as mayor, 68% report he is a good leader for New York City, and 70% think Mayor Bloomberg has a firm grasp on the problems facing the city.

Voters have a different perception of Bloomberg, however, when it comes to being a mayor who cares about the average New Yorker.  Here, the mayor fails to receive a majority of voters who believe he cares about people like them.  In fact, the electorate divides with 48% saying Bloomberg is an empathetic mayor and 46% who disagree.  In May, half of voters said the mayor cares about people like them.

Table:  Bloomberg Working Hard As Mayor

Table: Understands the Problems Facing New York City

Table: Is a Good Leader for New York City

Table: Cares About People Like You

Majority Approves of Bloomberg’s Handling of City Schools, Economic Crisis, & Crime…Other Areas Need Work

The New York State Senate’s legislative inaction has taken control of the New York City public schools out of Mayor Bloomberg’s hands.  But, according to a majority — 53% — of New York City voters, Mayor Bloomberg was doing a good job handling the schools.  38% disagree.  When it comes to money matters, 51% report they like the way Mayor Bloomberg is dealing with the city’s economic crisis.  This is compared with 40% who disagree.  And, looking at the way the mayor is dealing with the city’s budget, 49% approve of Bloomberg’s plan while 41% disapprove.

On the issue of taxes, however, the tides turn against Mayor Bloomberg.  A plurality of the city’s electorate — 49% — disapproves of how Mr. Bloomberg is addressing the situation.  44% approve.  The mayor also needs to score some points on the question of public transportation.  Here, a majority — 56% — say they do not like how the mayor is handling the issue while 39% think Bloomberg is dealing with the matter well.  In all of these areas, the mayor received similar ratings in May.

Since that May survey, there has been a slight dip in the proportion of voters who approve of how Bloomberg is handling crime in New York City.  Although nearly three-quarters of the electorate — 74% — currently support the mayor’s methods, 78% said the same two months ago.

Table: Bloomberg on Public Schools

Table: Bloomberg on Economic Crisis

Table: Bloomberg on the City’s Budget

Table: Bloomberg on Taxes

Table: Bloomberg on Public Transportation

Table: Bloomberg on Crime

Marist Poll Methodology

Lee Miringoff discusses Mayor Bloomberg’s latest poll numbers:

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7/8: Majority Says Elect New Mayor…But, Even More Think Bloomberg Will Win Third Term

7/8: Green Light Among Democrats in Race for Public Advocate

Complete July 8, 2009 NYC Poll Release & Tables

Complete May 13, 2009 NYC Poll Tables

7/8: Majority Says Elect New Mayor…But, Even More Think Bloomberg Will Win Third Term

51% of registered voters in New York City say, “Out with the old and in with the new.” That’s the proportion of the electorate who believes it’s time to oust Mayor Michael Bloomberg from office and elect someone else. 44% of voters think Mayor Bloomberg deserves to be re-elected. In The Marist Poll’s May survey, voters were more divided with 48% reporting it’s time to elect a new mayor and 47% saying Bloomberg should get a third term.

However, regardless of whether voters support a third term for Bloomberg, more than seven in ten voters — 73% — think the mayor will be re-elected. This is compared with just one-fifth of the electorate who believes Bloomberg will not be re-elected. These findings are virtually unchanged from May.

Table: Bloomberg Re-election
Table: Will Bloomberg Be Re-elected?

Campaign 2009…Bloomberg Loses Ground Against Thompson…Commanding Lead Over Avella

What are the odds that Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be re-elected in November? According to two hypothetical scenarios, pretty good. Here’s how the competition stacks up. When pitted against Democratic City Comptroller Bill Thompson, Bloomberg leads Thompson 48% to 35%. Although Bloomberg does have a solid lead over Thompson, he has lost majority support, and the race is closer. When Marist last asked this question in May, Bloomberg received 51% to Thompson’s 33%.

When matched against Democratic City Council Member Tony Avella, Bloomberg leads Avella 53% to 29%. Both politicians received similar proportions of the electorate in May when Bloomberg garnered 52% to Avella’s 27%.

Table: Bloomberg/Thompson 2009 Matchup
Table: Bloomberg/Avella 2009 Matchup

Dems Back Thompson for Democratic Nomination…More Than One-Third Unsure

Now that Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner has announced he will not seek the Democratic nomination for New York City Mayor, is there a clear challenger to square off against Michael Bloomberg? According to this Marist Poll, Bill Thompson receives 47% of New York City Democrats’ support while Tony Avella garners 18%. 35% are unsure.

Weiner’s withdrawal from the race has benefitted Thompson the most. In Marist’s May survey, Thompson received 29% of the vote to Avella’s 8%. Weiner was the leader at that time with 34% of the vote. 29% of Democrats were unsure.

Table: 2009 Democratic Primary Tossup

Bloomberg’s Billions Make No Difference

Do voters care that Mayor Bloomberg intends to spend millions of his own dollars in order to be re-elected this fall? The short answer is, “No.” Just 11% report it will make them more likely to vote for the mayor while 24% say it will make them less likely to support him. Nearly two-thirds of voters — 65% — say it will not make any difference to them. However, that is an 8 percentage point drop since Marist last asked this question. Two months ago, 73% said Bloomberg’s spending would not impact their vote.

Table: Bloomberg Campaign Finance

Marist Poll Methodology

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7/8: Bloomberg Approval Rating at 58%

7/8: Green Light Among Democrats in Race for Public Advocate

Complete July 8, 2009 NYC Poll Release & Tables

Complete May 13, 2009 NYC Poll Tables

7/8: Green Light Among Democrats in Race for Public Advocate

Former New York City Public Advocate Mark Green would win handily if this year’s Democratic primary for Public Advocate were held today but falls just short of the 40% needed to avoid a runoff. 39% of Democrats say they would support him while 16% report they would back Civil Rights Attorney Norman Siegel.  City Council Members Bill de Blasio and Eric Gioia receive 9% and 8%, respectively.  28% of Democrats are unsure.  Each potential candidate received similar proportions of the vote back in May.

Table: Public Advocate Tossup

Marist Poll Methodology

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Farewell to the Class of 2009

It’s an annual tradition at The Marist Institute for Public Opinion — the end of the year awards ceremony.
Find out who won this year’s awards and join in the celebration here!

7/2: The World of Weddings… Money, Gifts, and More

From trying on dozens of wedding dresses to picking out the invitations and favors, a lot goes into planning a wedding.  But, wedding guests have their fair share to think about, too.  And, a lot has to do with money.

When it comes to wedding attendance, 59% of Americans say they have gone to at least one wedding during the past year.  This includes 21% who have attended just one wedding, an additional 21% who have witnessed two couples tie the knot, and 17% who have seen three or more couples exchange their vows.

Table: Attended a Wedding

The Art of Wedding Gift Giving

What is the most popular wedding gift to give?  The answer is cold, hard cash.  40% of U.S. residents report they typically give cash or a check as a wedding present.  A gift from the couple’s bridal registry comes in second with 33% saying this is their preferred present.  This compares with 18% of Americans who give a gift card or certificate and 9% who choose a gift not on the couple’s registry.

However, there are regional differences.  By far, residents in the Northeast prefer to give money than do those in other parts of the country.  68% of those in the Northeast write a check or wrap up some cash while 41% in the Midwest, 31% in the South, and 27% in the West do the same.

So, how much money do wedding guests nationwide spend on a wedding present?  If they are attending with a guest, nearly three-quarters of residents spend less than $100.  33% say they shell out less than $50, and for 41%, the cost of a wedding present does not exceed $100.  The perfect wedding gift fits the budget of between $100 and less than $150 for 15% of the population while 6% spend $150 to $200. Just 5% give a gift of greater monetary value.  Once again, there are regional differences with a larger proportion of those in the Northeast willing to spend more than residents in other parts of the country.  For 96% of Americans, the cost of a wedding gift is decided upon before the wedding.  2% determine the amount during the wedding while 2% make up their minds after the couple is wed.

Table: Typical Wedding Gift
Table: Typical Cost of Wedding Gift
Table: When Price of Gift Is Determined

Marist Poll Methodology

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7/2: Tying the Knot: Bridal Showers, Crashers, & Memorable Moments

7/2: Wedding Memories

7/2: Tying the Knot: Bridal Showers, Crashers, & Memorable Moments

The next time you’re among friends or family, ask if they have ever crashed a wedding.  If so, they’re not alone.  According to a recent Marist poll, at least one in twelve Americans have snuck their way into a reception to which they were not invited.  And, from the food, the music, the location, the décor, oh, and, of course, the open-bar, there are many aspects of a wedding that distinguish one from the next.

The Bridal Shower: Who’s Invited?

But, before the wedding, there’s usually a bridal shower, and for many women figuring out which bridal showers they’ll attend, is a tough feat. After all, should they really be expected to participate in a shower for a bride they hardly know?  While a plurality — 49% — of Americans feels that friends, family, and acquaintances of the bride and groom should be invited to a shower, 39% say this event is reserved for only extremely close friends and family.  Only about one in ten — 11% — report all women invited to the wedding, regardless of their relationship to the bride or groom, should receive a bridal shower invite.

Table: Guests at Bridal Shower

Wedding Crashers

8% of Americans admit to wedding crashing (14% of Midwest residents compared to only 4% of Southerners). But, what is the most important aspect of a wedding reception to make it memorable and fun for both invited and uninvited guests?  Apparently, it all comes down to Location, Location, Location.  One-third of Americans cites the setting as making a lasting impression followed by the food — 23% — and music — 20%.  This is especially true for Americans in the West (38% say the location is most important) while good music is essential for 29% of Northeasterners.

Table: Crashed a Wedding
Table: Most Memorable Aspect of Wedding Reception

Marist Poll Methodology

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7/2: The World of Weddings… Money, Gifts, and More

7/2: Wedding Memories

Just for Fun:

“No Excuses.  Play Like a Champion.” — Rule #76 from New Line Cinema’s 2005 Movie, Wedding Crashers.  Check out the complete list of wedding crashers rules!

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