DBusiness
Dec. 15, 2022
Jake Bekemeyer
Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber released findings from its latest statewide poll of registered Michigan voters, revealing continued concerns with inflation, voters’ legislative priorities, perceptions of the democratic process, and the importance of social issues to employees selecting an employer.
“Not surprisingly, the economy — especially the continued high level of inflation — continues to be front and center in voters’ minds,” says Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the chamber. “But other than certain pockets of voters, Michiganders appear to be expressing a collective sigh of relief post-election day with an increased confidence in our voting process, calls for a centrist agenda in Lansing, and confidence in Gov. Whitmer as she embarks on her second term.”
The chamber’s polling partner, The Glengariff Group Inc., completed the statewide poll of 600 registered Michigan voters between Nov. 28 and Dec. 1.
Voters were asked what the most important issue facing Michigan today is. Inflation and cost of gas and goods led by a wide margin, with 23.7 percent stating this option. In a similar vein, 17.2 percent of those surveyed said the economy and jobs topped their concerns. Roads and infrastructure came in at 6.8 percent, while education quality and funding rounded out the list at 3.3 percent.
While it may not have been their top concern, 92 percent of voters are concerned about inflation — with 64.5 percent identifying as very concerned about inflation. These numbers are statistically consistent with May 2022 numbers.
When asked specifically where inflation has most impacted them, voters have shifted their concerns to food prices, with 43.4 percent answering that way. Gas prices remain a concern, with 22 percent identifying it, while 21.1 percent of voters answered everything.
Voters were asked if they have had to make choices about what they can afford to buy due to inflation that they did not have to make before. More than half, 66.3 percent, have altered their purchasing habits, while 45.1 percent said they have made choices that require them to stop specific purchases. Nearly a quarter, 21.2 percent, said they have made choices to buy less or change what they are buying, while 33 percent said they have not had to make choices.
Voters that are making choices to stop buying things were asked what specifically they had stopped buying. Almost half, 43.8 percent, cited changes in what types of food they were purchasing at the grocery store, while a quarter cited travel or entertainment. About 10 percent said they eat out less.
When asked about their economic positioning relative to the past, 66.4 percent of voters share they are doing better or the same. A third, 33.3 percent, said they are doing worse, 21.1 percent said they are doing better, and 45.3 percent said they are doing the same. For those that said they were worse off than one year ago, 76 percent cite the effects of inflation as the reason why.
By a margin of 41.0 percent right track to 48.9 percent wrong track, Michigan voters narrowly believe the state’s economy is on the wrong track.