A majority of New Yorkers think crime is a big problem.
In fact, 60% of them in the latest Siena College poll said they were worried about being a victim of crime.
Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said a number of measures are supported by voters, as concerns about crime rise across the state.
By 76-14%, voters say a new law requiring a permit to get a semi-automatic rifle – including being at least 21, passing a background check and taking a safety course – will be good for New York. By a similar 79-15% margin, voters want to see the Supreme Court uphold New York’s decades-old law requiring a license to carry a concealed handgun.
“More than three-quarters of voters think the new law – requiring a permit to obtain a semi-automatic rifle going forward – will be good for New York, including at least 65% of every demographic group. It’s worth noting that 67% of Republicans and 73% of gun owners (about one-fifth of all voters) think the law will be good,” Greenberg explained. “Likewise, more than three-quarters of voters want the Supreme Court to uphold New York’s decades-old law requiring a license to carry a concealed handgun, including 72% of gun owners and 79% of Republicans (even more than the 77% of independents). By a smaller, 58-24% margin, voters say outlawing body or armored vests except for law enforcement will be good for the state. Two-thirds of Democrats support the ban, as do 53% of independents, 50% of Republicans, and 54% of gun owners.”
Latest data from the June 2022 Siena Poll.
Ninety-two percent say crime is a serious problem across the state – 63% say very serious problem – up slightly from 91% and 60% in February. Closer to home, 65% say crime in their community is a serious problem – 27% very serious – from 63% and 27% in February. Six in ten say they are concerned they could be a victim of crime – 26% very concerned, up slightly from 57% and 22% in February.
“Crime continues to be an overriding issue for New Yorkers. At least 90% of voters from every party, region and race say crime is a serious problem in the state, with at least 57% saying it’s a very serious problem, including 79% of Black voters who say it’s a very serious problem,” Greenberg added. “About two-thirds of New Yorkers think crime in their community is a serious problem, including 78% of New York City voters – 40% very serious – 61% of upstaters and 51% of downstate suburbanites.”
RELATED: Read the entire report from Siena on its most-recent poll on crime, guns, and abortion
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