Seven in ten want the officials they agree with to stay civil toward opponents

May 22–28, 2025 · n = 1,000 · MoE ±3.1%Source report ↗

Core finding

When it comes to their own side, most Americans want civility: 69% would prefer that the elected officials they agree with stay civil and respectful toward those they disagree with, according to a Verasight survey conducted May 22-28, 2025.

One-in-ten (10%) would rather see those officials be uncivil and attack their opponents. Another 12% are unsure, and 9% say there are no elected officials they agree with.

Topline scale

Seven in ten want the officials they agree with to stay civil toward opponents.

Would you prefer it if elected officials you agree with are civil and respectful or would you like to see them be uncivil and attack those you disagree with?

I would prefer it if elected officials I agree with were civil and respectful to those I disagree with
68.5%
I’m not sure
12.1%
I would prefer it if elected officials I agree with were uncivil and attack those I disagree with
10.1%
There are no elected officials I agree with
9.2%

n = 1,000 · May 22–28, 2025 · MoE ±3.1%

Net findings combine adjacent response options from the same scale.
ModeVerasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
PopulationUS adults age 18+
Field datesMay 22–28, 2025
Base (unweighted)1,000
Margin of error±3.1%
ModuleVerasight AAPOR Omnibus Survey #2025-040
SponsorVerasight
Weight variableweight
Weighting targetsage, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

Sources

  1. 01

    Would you prefer it if elected officials you agree with are civil and respectful or would you like to see them be uncivil and attack those you disagree with?

    verasight-aapor-2025.tiiny.co

Cite this question

Verasight AAPOR Omnibus Survey #2025-040, fielded May 22-28, 2025, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.1%.