New Developments In Forensic Science

Central Findings

California voters have now received their postal service ballots, and the Nov viii general ballot has entered its concluding stage. Amid rising prices and economical dubiousness—as well every bit deep partisan divisions over social and political issues—Californians are processing a great bargain of data to assistance them choose country constitutional officers and land legislators and to make policy decisions about state propositions. The 2022 midterm ballot also features a closely divided Congress, with the likelihood that a few races in California may determine which political party controls the US House.

These are among the fundamental findings of a statewide survey on country and national problems conducted from October 14 to 23 by the Public Policy Institute of California:

Many Californians have negative perceptions of their personal finances and the US economy. Seventy-six percent charge per unit the nation's economy as "non and then good" or "poor." Thirty-ix percent say their finances are "worse off" today than a yr agone. Forty-seven percent say that things in California are going in the right management, while 33 percent think things in the Usa are going in the right management; partisans differ in their overall outlook.→
Among likely voters, 55 per centum would vote for Gavin Newsom and 36 percent would vote for Brian Dahle if the governor's ballot were today. Partisans are deeply divided in their choices. 60 percent are very or fairly closely post-obit news about the governor's race. Sixty-two percent are satisfied with the candidate choices in the governor's ballot.→
When likely voters are read the ballot title and labels, 34 percent would vote yes on Proposition 26 (sports betting at tribal casinos), 26 percentage would vote yep on Proposition 27 (online sports gambling), and 41 percent would vote yes on Proposition 30 (reducing greenhouse gases). Almost likely voters say they are not personally interested in sports betting, and 48 percent think information technology would be a "bad thing" if information technology became legal in the land. Fewer than half of probable voters say the vote outcome of Propositions 26, 27, or 30 is very important to them.→
50-six percentage of likely voters would support the Democratic candidate in their The states House race if the election were today. Sixty-1 percent say the issue of abortion rights is very of import in their vote for Congress this year; Democrats are far more probable than Republicans or independents to hold this view. Near half are "extremely" or "very" enthusiastic about voting for Congress this year; 54 percentage of Republicans and Democrats, and 41 percent of independents, are highly enthusiastic this year.→
40-5 percentage of Californians and 40 per centum of likely voters are satisfied with the way that democracy is working in the U.s.. Republicans are far less likely than Democrats and independents to hold this positive view. There is rare partisan consensus on ane topic: majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents are pessimistic that Americans with dissimilar political views can yet come together and work out their differences.→
Majorities of California adults and likely voters approve of Governor Gavin Newsom and President Joe Biden. Near four in ten or more California adults and likely voters approve of Usa Senator Dianne Feinstein and Usa Senator Alex Padilla. These blessing ratings vary across partisan groups. Approving of the country legislature is higher than approval of the Usa Congress.→

Overall Mood

With less than two weeks to go until what is ready to exist a highly consequential midterm ballot, California adults are divided on whether the state is mostly headed in the correct direction (47%) or wrong direction (48%); a bulk of likely voters (54%) call back the state is headed in the wrong direction (43% right management). Similar shares held this view last month (wrong direction: 44% adults, 49% probable voters; correct direction: 50% adults, 48% likely voters). Today, in that location is a wide partisan divide: seven in ten Democrats are optimistic about the direction of the state, while 91 percent of Republicans and 59 pct of independents are pessimistic. Majorities of residents in the Central Valley and Orangish/San Diego say the country is going in the wrong direction, while a majority in the San Francisco Bay Area say right direction; adults elsewhere are divided. Across demographic groups, Californians ages 18 to 34 (60%), Asian Americans (52%), higher graduates (52%), renters (52%), and women (52%) are the but groups in which a majority are optimistic about California'south direction.

figure - Half or fewer Californians have said the state is going in the right direction throughout 2022

Californians are much more pessimistic almost the direction of the country than they are almost the direction of the land. Solid majorities of adults (62%) and probable voters (71%) say the Us is going in the wrong direction, and majorities take held this view since September 2021. One in three or fewer adults (33%) and likely voters (25%) call back the state is going in the right management. Majorities beyond all demographic groups and partisan groups, as well equally across regions, are pessimistic almost the direction of the Us.

figure - The share of adults who say the United States is going in the right direction has been trending downward since mid-2021

The state of the economy and aggrandizement are likely to play a disquisitional role in the upcoming ballot, and about four in 10 adults (39%) and likely voters (43%) say they and their family are worse off financially than they were a year ago. Like shares say they are financially in about the same spot (43% adults, 44% probable voters). The share who feel they are worse off has risen slightly amongst likely voters since May, but is similar amid adults (37% adults, 36% likely voters). Fewer than two in ten Californians say they are improve off than they were i yr ago (17% adults, thirteen% likely voters). A wide partisan split up exists: near Democrats and independents say their financial situation is almost the same as a year ago, while solid majorities of Republicans say they are worse off. Regionally, about half in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles say they are about the same, while half in the Central Valley say they are worse off; residents elsewhere are divided betwixt being worse off and the same. Beyond demographic groups, pluralities say they are either financially about the same as last year or worse off, with the exception of African Americans (51% about the same, 33% worse off, xvi% better off) and Asian Americans (51% about the aforementioned, 27% worse off, xx% better off). The shares proverb they are worse off decline as educational attainment increases.

With persistent aggrandizement and concerns well-nigh a possible recession in the future, an overwhelming majority of Californians believe the United states of america economy is in not and then good (43% adults, 40% probable voters) or poor (33% adults, 36% probable voters) shape. Nearly a quarter of adults (3% excellent, 20% proficient) and likely voters (ii% splendid, 23% good) feel positively almost the national economic system. Strong majorities across partisan groups experience negatively, just Republicans and independents are much more than likely than Democrats to say the economy is in poor shape. Solid majorities across the country'south major regions besides as all demographic groups say the economic system is in not so practiced or poor shape. In a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll, 24 percent (3% excellent, 21% good) of adults nationwide felt positively about the U.s. economy, while 74 percent (36% not so good, 38% poor) expressed negative views.

Gubernatorial Election

Half dozen in 10 likely voters say they are following news about the 2022 governor's race very (25%) or fairly (35%) closely—a share that has risen from one-half just a month ago (17% very, 33% fairly). This finding is somewhat like to October 2018, when 68 percent said this (28% very, twoscore% closely) a calendar month earlier the previous gubernatorial election. Today, majorities across partisan, demographic, and regional groups say they are following news about the gubernatorial election either very or fairly closely. The shares saying they are following the news very closely is highest amongst residents in Republican districts (39%), Republicans (30%), whites (29%), and adults with incomes of $xl,000 to $79,999 (29%). Older likely voters (27%) are slightly more likely than younger probable voters (21%) to say they are following the news closely.

figure - Six in ten likely voters are following news about candidates for the 2022 governor's election at least fairly closely

Democratic incumbent Gavin Newsom is alee of Republican Brian Dahle (55% to 36%) among likely voters, while few say they would not vote, would vote for neither, or don't know who they would vote for in the governor's race. The share supporting the reelection of the governor was similar a month ago (58% Newsom, 31% Dahle). Today, Newsom enjoys the back up of most Democrats (91%), while about Republicans (86%) support Dahle; Newsom has an edge over Dahle among independent likely voters (47% Newsom, 37% Dahle). Across the state's regions, two in three in the San Francisco Bay Surface area and Los Angeles support Newsom, as do about half in the Inland Empire and Orange/San Diego; likely voters in the Central Valley are split up. Newsom leads in all demographic groups, with the exception of men (45% Newsom, 44% Dahle) and those with a high school diploma only (46% Newsom, 49% Dahle). The share supporting Newsom grows every bit educational attainment increases (46% high schoolhouse only, 56% some college, 60% higher graduates), while it decreases with ascent income (64% less than $xl,000, 56% $40,000 to $79,999, 52% $80,000 or more).

figure - A majority of likely voters would vote to reelect Gavin Newsom if the election were held today

A solid majority of probable voters (62%) are satisfied with their choices of candidates in the November viii election, while almost iii in ten (32%) are not satisfied. Shares expressing satisfaction have increased somewhat from a calendar month ago (53%) and were similar prior to the 2018 gubernatorial election (lx% October 2018). Today, a solid majority of Democrats (79%) and independents (61%) say they are satisfied, compared to fewer than one-half of Republicans (44%). Majorities across demographic groups say they are satisfied, and notably, women (68%) are more probable than men (56%) to say this. Majorities across the state'southward regions say they are satisfied with their choices of candidates in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

State Propositions 26, 27, and 30

In the upcoming Nov 8 ballot, there will exist seven state propositions for voters. Due to time constraints, our survey only asked most three ballot measures: Propositions 26, 27, and 30. For each, we read the suggestion number, ballot, and election label. Two of the state ballot measures were likewise included in the September survey (Propositions 27 and 30), while Proposition 26 was not.

If the election were held today, 34 percentage of likely voters would vote "aye," 57 pct would vote "no," and 9 percent are unsure of how they would vote on Proffer 26—Allows In-Person Roulette, Die, Game, Sports Wagering on Tribal Lands. This measure would let in-person sports betting at racetracks and tribal casinos, requiring that racetracks and casinos offering sports betting make certain payments to the state to support state regulatory costs. It too allows roulette and die games at tribal casinos and adds a new way to enforce certain state gambling laws. There is partisan agreement on Prop 26: fewer than four in ten Democrats, Republicans, and independents would vote "yes." Moreover, less than a majority beyond all regions and demographic groups—with the exception of likely voters ages 18 to 44 (51% yes, 44% no)—would vote "yes."

If the election were held today, 26 percent of likely voters would vote "aye," 67 percent would vote "no," and eight percent are unsure of how they would vote on Proposition 27—Allows Online and Mobile Sports Wagering Exterior Tribal Lands. This citizens' initiative would let Indian tribes and affiliated businesses to operate online and mobile sports wagering outside tribal lands. Strong majorities beyond partisan groups would vote "no" on Prop 27. The share voting "yes" has decreased since a month ago (34% September). Today, fewer than iii in 10 across partisan groups would vote "yes" on Prop 27. Moreover, fewer than four in 10 beyond regions, gender, racial/indigenous, pedagogy, and income groups would vote "yes." Likely voters ages 18 to 44 (41%) are far more likely than older likely voters ages 45 and higher up (nineteen%) to say they would vote "yes."

If the election were held today, 41 percent of likely voters would vote "aye," 52 per centum would vote "no," and vii percent are unsure of how they would vote on Proposition 30—Provides Funding for Programs to Reduce Air Pollution and Prevent Wildfires by Increasing Tax on Personal Income over $ii Million. This citizens' initiative would increase taxes on Californians earning more than $2 million annually and allocate that tax acquirement to naught-emission vehicle buy incentives, vehicle charging stations, and wildfire prevention. The share proverb "yes" on Prop 30 has decreased from 55 percent in our September survey (annotation: since September, Governor Newsom has been featured in "no on Prop 30" commercials). Today, unlike Prop 26 and Prop 27, partisan opinions are divided on Prop xxx: 61 percent of Democrats would vote "yes," compared to far fewer Republicans (15%) and independents (38%). Across regions, and among men and women, support falls brusque of a majority (36% men, 45% women). Fewer than half beyond racial/indigenous groups say they would vote "yes" (39% whites, 42% Latinos, 46% other racial/indigenous groups). But over half of likely voters with incomes under $40,000 (52%) would vote "yes," compared to fewer in college-income groups (42% $xl,000 to $79,999, 36% $fourscore,000 or more). Well-nigh half of likely voters ages eighteen to 44 (49%) would vote "aye," compared to 37 percent of older probable voters.

figure - Overall support for Prop 26, 27, and 30 falls short of a majority, with partisans divided

Fewer than half of likely voters say the outcome of each of these state propositions is very important to them. Today, 21 percent of probable voters say the outcome of Prop 26 is very important, 31 percent say the result of Prop 27 is very of import, and 42 percent say the issue of Prop 30 is very of import. The shares maxim the outcomes are very important to them have remained like to a month ago for Prop 27 (29%) and Prop xxx (42%). Today, when it comes to the importance of the outcome of Prop 26, one in four or fewer across partisan groups say it is very important to them. Almost one in iii across partisan groups say the event of Prop 27 is very important to them. Fewer than half beyond partisan groups say the outcome of Prop 30 is very important to them.

figure - The share of likely voters who say the outcome of the vote is very important differs by proposition

Congressional Elections

When asked how they would vote if the 2022 ballot for the US House of Representatives were held today, 56 percent of probable voters say they would vote for or lean toward the Democratic candidate, while 39 percent would vote for or lean toward the Republican candidate. In September, a similar share of likely voters preferred the Democratic candidate (60% Democrat/lean Democrat, 34% Republican/lean Republican). Today, overwhelming majorities of partisans support their party's candidate, while independents are divided (50% Democrat/lean Democrat, 44% Republican/lean Republican). Democratic candidates are preferred by a 26-signal margin in Democratic-held districts, while Republican candidates are preferred by a 23-point margin in Republican-held districts. In the ten competitive California districts equally defined by the Cook Political Report, the Democratic candidate is preferred by a 22-point margin (54% to 32%).

figure - A majority of likely voters would vote for the Democratic candidate in their district if the election for Congress were held today

Abortion is another prominent effect in this election. When asked about the importance of ballgame rights, 61 percent of likely voters say the consequence is very important in determining their vote for Congress and some other 20 percent say information technology is somewhat important; just 17 percent say it is not too or non at all of import. Among partisans, an overwhelming bulk of Democrats (78%) and 55 percent of independents say it is very important, compared to 43 percent of Republicans. Majorities beyond regions and all demographic groups—with the exception of men (49% very important)—say abortion rights are very important when making their pick amongst candidates for Congress.

figure - A solid majority of likely voters say the issue of abortion rights is very important in their vote for Congress this year

With the controlling party in Congress hanging in the balance, 51 percent of likely voters say they are extremely or very enthusiastic about voting for Congress this year; some other 29 percentage are somewhat enthusiastic while 19 percentage are either not too or non at all enthusiastic. In October 2018 before the concluding midterm election, a like 53 per centum of likely voters were extremely or very enthusiastic about voting for Congress (25% extremely, 28% very, 28% somewhat, ten% non too, 8% not at all). Today, Democrats and Republicans take about equal levels of enthusiasm, while independents are much less probable to be extremely or very enthusiastic. Half or more than across regions are at least very enthusiastic, with the exceptions of likely voters in Los Angeles (44%) and the San Francisco Bay Area (43%). At to the lowest degree half across demographic groups are highly enthusiastic, with the exceptions of likely voters earning $40,000 to $79,999 annually (48%), women (47%), Latinos (43%), those with a high school diploma or less (42%), renters (42%), and xviii- to 44-year-olds (37%).

Democracy and the Political Divide

As Californians ready to vote in the upcoming midterm election, fewer than half of adults and likely voters are satisfied with the way democracy is working in the United States—and few are very satisfied. Satisfaction was college in our February survey when 53 percent of adults and 48 percent of probable voters were satisfied with democracy in America. Today, one-half of Democrats and about four in 10 independents are satisfied, compared to about one in five Republicans. Notably, 4 in 10 Republicans are non at all satisfied. Across regions, one-half of residents in the San Francisco Bay Surface area (52%) and the Inland Empire (l%) are satisfied, compared to fewer elsewhere. Across demographic groups, fewer than half are satisfied, with the exception of Latinos (56%), those with a high school caste or less (55%), and those making less than $40,000 (53%).

figure - Fewer than half of Californians are satisfied with the way democracy is working in the United States

In addition to the lack of satisfaction with the manner democracy is working, Californians are divided near whether Americans of different political positions can still come together and work out their differences. Forty-ix percent are optimistic, while 46 percent are pessimistic. Optimism has been like in more recent years, just has decreased seven points since we showtime asked this question in September 2017 (56%). In September 2020, only before the 2020 general election, Californians were also divided (47% optimistic, 49% pessimistic).

Today, in a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, nearly 4 in x Democrats, Republicans, and independents are optimistic that Americans of different political views will exist able to come together. Beyond regions, about half in Orangish/San Diego, the Inland Empire, and the San Francisco Bay Surface area are optimistic. Across demographic groups, just the following groups have a bulk or more who are optimistic: African Americans and Latinos (61% each), those with a high school diploma or less (63%), and those with household incomes under $40,000 (61%). Notably, in 2017, half or more across parties, regions, and demographic groups were optimistic.

figure - Californians are pessimistic that Americans with different political views can still come together and work out differences

Blessing Ratings

With about two weeks to go before Governor Newsom's bid for reelection, a bulk of Californians (54%) and likely voters (52%) approve of the way he is handling his chore, while fewer disapprove (33% adults, 45% likely voters). Approving was almost identical in September (52% adults, 55% likely voters) and has been 50 percent or more since January 2020. Today, nigh 8 in 10 Democrats—compared to virtually half of independents and well-nigh i in ten Republicans—approve of Governor Newsom. Half or more beyond regions approve of Newsom, except in the Central Valley (42%). Across demographic groups, well-nigh half or more approve of how Governor Newsom is treatment his job.

With all 80 state assembly positions and half of land senate seats up for ballot, fewer than one-half of adults (49%) and probable voters (43%) approve of the way that the California Legislature is treatment its job. Views are securely divided along partisan lines; approving is highest in the San Francisco Bay Area and everyman in Orangish/San Diego. Nearly half across racial/indigenous groups approve, and approval is much college among younger Californians.

figure - About half approve of the governor and state legislature

Majorities of California adults (53%) and likely voters (52%) approve of the way President Biden is handling his job, while fewer disapprove (43% adults, 47% likely voters). Approval is similar to September (53% adults and likely voters), and Biden'due south approval rating among adults has been at 50 percentage or higher since we showtime asked this question in January 2021. Today, about viii in ten Democrats approve of Biden's job performance, compared to nearly iv in 10 independents and i in ten Republicans. Approving is college in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles than in the Inland Empire, Orange/San Diego, and the Central Valley. About half or more across demographic groups approve of President Biden, with the exception of those with some college pedagogy (44%).

Approval of Congress remains low, with fewer than four in ten adults (37%) and probable voters (29%) approving. Approval of Congress among adults has been below forty per centum for all of 2022 later seeing a brief run above 40 percent for all of 2021. Democrats are far more than likely than Republicans to approve of Congress. Fewer than half across regions and demographic groups approve of Congress.

figure - About half continue to approve of President Biden; approval of Congress remains low

U.s. Senator Alex Padilla is on the California ballot twice this November—once for the remainder of Vice President Harris's term and once for reelection. Senator Padilla has the approval of 46 percent of adults and 48 per centum of likely voters (adults: 26% disapprove, 29% don't know; likely voters: 31% disapprove, 22% don't know). Approval in March was at 44 percent for adults and 39 percent for probable voters. Today, Padilla's approval rating is much higher amidst Democrats than independents and Republicans. Beyond regions, about one-half in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire approve of the The states senator, compared to four in ten in Orangish/San Diego and one in three in the Key Valley. Across demographic groups, almost half or more than approve among women, younger adults, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos. Views are like beyond education and income groups, with just fewer than half approving.

United states of america Senator Dianne Feinstein—who is not on the California ballot this November—has the approval of 41 percentage of adults and probable voters (adults: 42% disapprove, 17% don't know; likely voters: 52% disapprove, 7% don't know). Approving in March was at 41 pct for adults and 36 per centum for likely voters. Today, Feinstein's approving rating is far higher among Democrats and independents than Republicans. Across regions, blessing reaches a majority but in the San Francisco Bay Surface area. Across demographic groups, approval reaches a majority only among African Americans