February Polling Showed Strong Public Support for Wisconsin Statewide Mask Mandate
March 31, 2021
PHILADELPHIA — Today, one month after 314 Action Fund released the results of polling showing strong public support for a statewide mask mandate, the Wisconsin Supreme Court handed down a ruling striking down the mandate and endangering citizens across the state.
Specifically, the ruling claims that Gov. Tony Evers exceeded his authority by implementing the life-saving mandate, limiting public health emergency actions to sixty days unless an extension is given by the state legislature—which currently is held by an anti-science, Republican majority. Wisconsin Republicans had already attempted to repeal the state’s mask mandate.
Recent polling, however, showed that a statewide mask mandate remains popular with Wisconsin voters, with 61% supporting a mask mandate. 51% of voters trust Gov. Evers more than state Republicans to handle the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Evers also remains popular among voters, with poll respondents saying they would vote to re-elect Gov. Evers over a Republican candidate 45% to 44% if the 2022 gubernatorial election were held today.
“While the ultra-conservative conspiracy theorists on the Wisconsin Supreme Court continue their assault on science, Governor Tony Evers and the scientists in the room will continue to do right by the people of Wisconsin by guiding the state through this pandemic using facts and evidence,” said John Sweeney, spokesperson for 314 Action Fund. “The mask mandate is popular and saves lives. It’s crystal clear that during the worst public health crisis in a century, the Wisconsin Supreme Court is more worried about sticking it to the Democratic governor than saving the lives of Wisconsinites.”
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314 Action Fund is powered by a grassroots community of nearly six million people working to elect scientists, doctors, and STEM professionals who will use science and facts to address our most pressing issues like climate change and health care. In 2018 and 2020, we played a pivotal role in flipping the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, electing eleven Democratic scientists to federal office, as well as over 100 to key legislative districts. In 2021 and 2022, 314 Action Fund will continue working to elect science leaders and defeat climate deniers in Congress and legislatures across the country.