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December 11, 2025

AllSides/ActiVote Survey on Federal Debt

In November 2025, AllSides and ActiVote collaborated on a survey on the federal debt with 14 questions, each with 5 possible answers. The poll was processed using ActiVote’s standard polling methodology. The average sample size was 497 per question (ranging from a minimum of 469 to a maximum of 560) leading to an expected polling error of about 4.4%. We invite you to participate in this survey if you have not already.

The survey consisted of three parts: (1) The federal debt, (2) Taxes, (3) Spending. For each of these we will first list the main findings, before presenting the details per individual question.

The Federal Debt

A significant overall majority worries about the federal debt and majorities of both the left and the right wish to address it, while the right wants to act more strongly (e.g: passing a balanced budget constitutional amendment). Where the left and right have significant disagreements is how to address it: a large majority of the left wants to mostly increase taxes, while a large majority of the right wants to decrease spending. There is some agreement among the left and right that when new policies are introduced they should not increase the deficit and preferably reduce the deficit. Similarly, most groups (except the left) agree that the debt ceiling should not be abolished as a tool that can be used to control the federal debt.

Taxes

All questions on taxes showed the same pattern: the left wishes to raise taxes, while the right wishes to lower them. On ordinary income tax rates: the left wishes to raise ordinary income tax rates for the rich, while the right wishes to lower the maximum marginal tax rate. Similarly, the left wishes to increase corporate tax rates, while the right wishes to lower it. For capital gains tax we see the same: the left wishes to increase rates, while the right wishes to lower them. Wealth taxes are highly popular with the left, while deemed unconstitutional by the right.

Spending

A majority would like to propose spending cuts through a bipartisan panel, although this proposal is more popular on the left than the right, where the prevailing opinion was to reform entitlement programs or simply reduce budgets for all agencies by a fixed percentage each year. A majority would like to reduce military spending by eliminating waste, with the exception of the left who simply wishes to reduce the military budget. Regarding Social Security, a clear overall majority would like to eliminate the earnings cap (thus having higher incomes pay more into the program), while the right favors privatizing Social Security. There is little appetite to cut into Medicare, except for some on the right. The differences on Medicaid are more outspoken: the left is highly supportive, while the right wishes to cut or eliminate the program as a whole.

In summary, we all believe there is a problem with the federal debt, but we strongly disagree about how to solve it, where the typical simple explanation that the left wishes to tax more and the right wishes to spend less, is confirmed by our poll. While there is a slim majority support for some actions (e.g: a small majority believes that the Social Security cap should be lifted), for none of the actions is their majority support among both parties and rarely 60% overall support. Thus, it is unlikely that anything can be passed with bipartisan support and overcome a filibuster in the senate.

So, we are all worried about the federal debt, but we don’t agree about ways to attack the problem, which makes it unlikely that Congress will do something about it.

In the next 14 sections we present the summary results per individual question.

Federal Debt

The survey (answered by 560 people) asked: “Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on our Federal debt?” and provided 5 answers:

  • We should pass a balanced budget amendment to force the Federal Government to stop running deficits at any time.
  • We should ensure that the Federal Government cannot increase the debt/GDP ratio, except in rare cases, such as war and national emergencies.
  • The Federal Government should ensure that the debt/GDP ratio goes down during prosperous times, while it should be allowed to increase during recessions.
  • A slowly growing debt/GDP ratio is not an immediate problem at this time.
  • We don’t need to worry about our debt/GDP ratio.
Federal Debt — the headline result
Balanced budget amendment
49%
Increase debt/GDP ratio only in rare cases
20%
debt/GDP ratio change based on good/bad times
26%
Slowly growing debt/GDP ratio is fine
3%
No need to worry about debt/GDP ratio
2%
 See the details below →

Half the population feels that we should have a balanced budget amendment, while another 20% believes we should only rarely increase debt/GDP ratio. Another 26% believe that it should be dependent on whether times are good or bad. Very few people (5%) believe that a growing debt/GDP ratio is not a problem.

Federal Debt — the crosstabs
Left
18%
18%
50%
Moderate Left
32%
22%
41%
Center
50%
24%
21%
Moderate Right
65%
19%
14%
Right
78%
15%
Balanced budget amendmentIncrease debt/GDP ratio only in rare casesdebt/GDP ratio change based on good/bad timesSlowly growing debt/GDP ratio is fineNo need to worry about debt/GDP ratio
 See the details below →

The left is open to let the debt/GDP ratio fluctuate with the times (50%), while the right wishes to pass a balanced budget amendment (78%)

Balance of Taxes & Spending Cuts

The survey (answered by 547 people) asked: “Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on how to reduce the deficit?” and provided 5 answers:

  • Rely mostly on tax increases.
  • Use a mix tilted toward tax increases.
  • Use an even balance of tax increases and spending cuts.
  • Use a mix tilted toward spending cuts.
  • Rely mostly on spending cuts.
Balance of Taxes & Spending Cuts — the headline result
Mostly cuts
31%
More cuts
11%
Even balance
24%
More tax
26%
Mostly tax
8%
 See the details below →

About 1 in 3 Americans (34%) believes that we should solve our budget problem more through tax increases than through spending cuts, while 42% believes that it should be mostly spending cuts. 1 in 4 Americans (24%) believe that it should be an even balance between spending cuts and tax increases.

Balance of Taxes & Spending Cuts — the crosstabs
Left
11%
60%
27%
Moderate Left
33%
47%
9%
Center
23%
15%
36%
23%
Moderate Right
47%
19%
32%
Right
80%
13%
Mostly cutsMore cutsEven balanceMore taxMostly tax
 See the details below →

The left in large majority (87%) wishes to solve the problem mostly through tax increases, while the right in an even larger majority (93%) believes that it should be mostly resolved through spending cuts.

Long-Term Deficit Reform

The survey (answered by 519 people) asked: “Which of these statements best reflects your views on how to reduce future deficits?” and provided 5 answers:

  • Prioritize growth and investment over deficit reduction.
  • Require new spending or tax cuts to be offset (PAYGO)
  • Require new policies to reduce the deficit overall (“Super PAYGO”).
  • Cap spending or trigger automatic cuts to balance budgets.
  • Enact a constitutional balanced-budget requirement.
Long-Term Deficit Reform — the headline result
Balanced budget amendment
37%
Caps
8%
Super PAYGO
32%
PAYGO
10%
Growth
13%
 See the details below →

A plurality likes a balanced budget amendment as the best way to address long-term deficit reform, while another 1 in 3 (32%) favors “Super PAYGO”, meaning that any new policies must improve the deficit overall.

Long-Term Deficit Reform — the crosstabs
Left
15%
31%
17%
32%
Moderate Left
24%
40%
18%
14%
Center
33%
12%
42%
Moderate Right
49%
11%
24%
9%
Right
59%
11%
20%
Balanced budget amendmentCapsSuper PAYGOPAYGOGrowth
 See the details below →

The left is in favor of growing our economy out of deficits (32%) or having new policies be just balanced (17%). On the right a majority believes that a balanced budget amendment will be necessary.

Debt Ceiling

The survey (answered by 510 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on the debt ceiling?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • The debt ceiling should be abolished.
  • The debt ceiling should remain, but without the possibility to create government shutdowns.
  • The current process of political negotiations in order to raise the debt ceiling should remain as is.
  • The debt ceiling should be strengthened as a tool to curb government borrowing.
  • The debt ceiling should remain and not raise above current levels.
Debt Ceiling — the headline result
Fix debt ceiling at current level
12%
Strengthen the debt ceiling
50%
Current situation is fine
4%
Make shutdowns impossible
20%
Abolish debt ceiling
15%
 See the details below →

Half the population believes that the Debt Ceiling should be strengthened as a tool to force spending reductions. Only 35% believe that we should abolish the debt ceiling or at least make shutdowns impossible.

Debt Ceiling — the crosstabs
Left
15%
31%
46%
Moderate Left
51%
26%
15%
Center
62%
22%
Moderate Right
16%
64%
12%
Right
32%
55%
Fix debt ceiling at current levelStrengthen the debt ceilingCurrent situation is fineMake shutdowns impossibleAbolish debt ceiling
 See the details below →

More than 3 in 4 on the left would like to get rid of shutdowns, while 87% of the right would like to strengthen the debt ceiling as a legislative tool.

Ordinary income tax rate

The survey (answered by 497 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on the highest marginal tax rate?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • The current highest marginal tax rate of 37% should be further reduced.
  • The current highest marginal tax rate of 37% is about right.
  • The highest marginal tax rate should be raised to about 45% for the top 1%.
  • The highest marginal tax rate should be raised to 70% on incomes over $10M.
  • The highest marginal tax rate should be raised to 90% or more as it was during the World War II period.
Ordinary Income Tax Rates — the headline result
Reduce below 37%
38%
Keep 37%
10%
45% for top 1%
23%
70% over $10M
19%
90% or more
9%
 See the details below →

A small minority of 51% would like to see higher maximum marginal tax rates on the rich, while 48% would like to either keep the maximum marginal tax rate of 37% or reduce it further.

Ordinary Income Tax Rates — the crosstabs
Left
21%
46%
32%
Moderate Left
15%
43%
30%
Center
39%
13%
31%
14%
Moderate Right
64%
16%
14%
Right
78%
16%
Reduce below 37%Keep 37%45% for top 1%70% over $10M90% or more
 See the details below →

Taxing the rich is a unanimous desire (99%) on the left, while keeping the current maximum tax rate or further reducing it, is supported by 94% on the right.

Corporate tax rate

The survey (answered by 493 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on the corporate tax rate?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • The U.S. should cut the corporate tax rate even further to 15%.
  • The current corporate tax rate of 21% is at the correct level.
  • The reduction of our corporate tax rate to 21% should have been accompanied with an increase of the capital gains tax rate.
  • The U.S. should be in the same range as other OECD countries, therefore a corporate tax rate of 24% is appropriate.
  • The U.S. should raise its corporate tax rate back to 35%.
Corporate Tax Rate — the headline result
Cut to 15%
28%
Keep 21%
9%
21% + higher capital gains
6%
Raise to 24%
23%
Raise to 35%
34%
 See the details below →

A majority of 57% believes that the current corporate tax rate of 21% is too low, while 37% which too keep it, or further reduce it.

Corporate Tax Rate — the crosstabs
Left
32%
59%
Moderate Left
9%
26%
51%
Center
19%
15%
25%
33%
Moderate Right
42%
13%
26%
14%
Right
73%
12%
Cut to 15%Keep 21%21% + higher capital gainsRaise to 24%Raise to 35%
 See the details below →

The left is almost unanimous (91%) in that they wish to increase the corporate tax rate, while the right in large majority (85%) wishes to keep or reduce the current corporate tax rate.

Capital Gains vs. Ordinary Income Tax

The survey (answered by 490 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on income tax rates?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • Tax rates for lower incomes should be increased and for higher incomes reduced.
  • All Federal Income Tax Rates should be reduced.
  • Income Tax Rates should be kept approximately the same as they are today.
  • Tax rates for higher income brackets should be increased.
  • Capital gains for higher incomes should be taxed at the same rates as ordinary income.
Capital Gains vs. Ordinary Income Tax — the headline result
Higher tax rates for lower incomes
2%
Reduce all tax rates
42%
Keep as is
3%
Higher rates for higher incomes
32%
Tax as ordinary income
21%
 See the details below →

A small majority of 53% would like to increase taxes, especially on those with higher incomes, while 42% would like to reduce all federal income tax rates.

Capital Gains vs. Ordinary Income Tax — the crosstabs
Left
60%
39%
Moderate Left
19%
52%
26%
Center
44%
30%
17%
Moderate Right
66%
12%
14%
Right
87%
Higher tax rates for lower incomesReduce all tax ratesKeep as isHigher rates for higher incomesTax as ordinary income
 See the details below →

The left is unanimous (99%) in that they would like to increase tax rates for the rich. The right is nearly unanimous (93%) in wishing to reduce tax rates for either all tax payers or the rich in particular.

Wealth Tax

The survey (answered by 483 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on a wealth tax?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • A wealth tax is unconstitutional.
  • The U.S. should not implement a wealth tax.
  • A wealth tax of 1% should be implemented on all wealth over $1 billion.
  • A wealth tax of 2% of all wealth over $50M should be put in place.
  • A progressive wealth tax should be put in place that taxes at least 2% over $50M and a higher tax rate on billionaires.
Wealth Tax — the headline result
Unconstitutional
29%
Do not implement
11%
1% over $1B
7%
2% over $50M
3%
Progressive wealth tax
50%
 See the details below →

A majority of 60% is in favor of a wealth tax, with most of them preferring a progressive wealth tax, while 40% do not want it, or believe that it is unconstitutional.

Wealth Tax — the crosstabs
Left
90%
Moderate Left
78%
Center
21%
12%
12%
50%
Moderate Right
50%
23%
21%
Right
73%
15%
UnconstitutionalDo not implement1% over $1B2% over $50MProgressive wealth tax
 See the details below →

The left almost unanimously (98%) favors a wealth tax, while the right in a very large majority (88%) does not want, or believes it is unconstitutional.

Spending Cuts and the Federal Budget

The survey (answered by 468 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on how the government should approach spending cuts?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • Limited cuts only.
  • Create a bipartisan panel to propose targeted cuts.
  • Freeze spending and replace programs one-for-one.
  • Reforming major entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security.
  • Cut all agency budgets by a fixed percentage each year.
Spending Cuts and the Federal Budget — the headline result
Cut each year
16%
Reform entitlements
17%
Improve programs
9%
Bipartisan panel
51%
Limited cuts only
7%
 See the details below →

A small majority (51%) favors a bipartisan panel that proposes targeted cuts in the budget. About 1 in 3 wishes to reform major entitlement programs or simply cut agency budgets by a fixed percentage each year.

Spending Cuts and the Federal Budget — the crosstabs
Left
12%
55%
26%
Moderate Left
80%
Center
10%
14%
66%
Moderate Right
24%
27%
12%
36%
Right
40%
26%
19%
15%
Cut each yearReform entitlementsImprove programsBipartisan panelLimited cuts only
 See the details below →

The left, moderate left and center all favor a bipartisan solution. This is also the plurality opinion on the moderate right. Those on the right wish to take more rigorous action by enacting entitlement reform or cutting all agencies by a fixed percentage each year.

US Military spending

The survey (answered by 481 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on US military spending?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • Military spending needs to grow as a percentage of our overall annual budget.
  • Military spending is currently at about the right level as a percentage of our overall annual budget.
  • The U.S. military strength needs to be maintained, but we should be able to reduce our annual cost by eliminating waste and inefficiencies.
  • The U.S. should reduce military spending step-by-step, focusing more on diplomatic efforts, and maintaining our role as leader of the free world.
  • The U.S. should drastically reduce our military spending.
US Military Spending — the headline result
grow spending as %
10%
current level
5%
reduce by eliminating waste
56%
reduce military spending
18%
drastically reduce spending
11%
 See the details below →

While 29% would like to reduce military spending, a majority wishes to reduce costs only by eliminating waste. Only 1 in 10 wishes to grow the military budget.

US Military Spending — the crosstabs
Left
25%
42%
33%
Moderate Left
65%
26%
Center
70%
10%
Moderate Right
13%
67%
Right
30%
11%
49%
grow spending as %current levelreduce by eliminating wastereduce military spendingdrastically reduce spending
 See the details below →

Those on the left would like to reduce military spending. All others prefer to reduce spending by eliminating waste.

Funding Social Security

The survey (answered by 476 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on fixing Social Security funding?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • Eliminate the taxation earnings cap of $128,000 so that more tax is generated.
  • Gradually reduce the benefits paid to wealthier seniors.
  • Gradually increase the eligibility age for all recipients.
  • Gradually reduce the benefits paid to all recipients.
  • Privatize social security so that everyone can individually save for retirement.
Funding Social Security — the headline result
Privatize social security
27%
Gradually reduce benefits for all
1%
Gradually increase eligibility age
5%
Gradually reduce benefits paid to the wealthy
8%
Eliminate earnings cap
58%
 See the details below →

A significant majority of 58% believe that the earnings cap on social security contributions should be eliminated. Privatizing social security is the preferred method for just over 1 in 4 Americans (27%).

Funding Social Security — the crosstabs
Left
9%
89%
Moderate Left
82%
Center
20%
12%
59%
Moderate Right
49%
37%
Right
66%
21%
Privatize social securityGradually reduce benefits for allGradually increase eligibility ageGradually reduce benefits paid to the wealthyEliminate earnings cap
 See the details below →

A very large majority of 89% on the left would like to eliminate the earnings cap, while a majority on the right would like to privatize social security.

Medicare

The survey (answered by 471 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on the future of Medicare?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • Expand Medicare coverage and benefits.
  • Maintain current benefits and funding levels.
  • Make modest changes to slow growth and improve efficiency.
  • Reduce benefits or raise the eligibility age.
  • Significantly cut spending.
Medicare — the headline result
Significantly cut
12%
Reduce
7%
Slow growth, improve efficiency
28%
Maintain
7%
Expand
46%
 See the details below →

A plurality of 46% would like to expand Medicare benefits, while only 20% wish to reduce Medicare benefits.

Medicare — the crosstabs
Left
13%
80%
Moderate Left
19%
72%
Center
37%
44%
Moderate Right
16%
10%
46%
20%
Right
38%
16%
30%
13%
Significantly cutReduceSlow growth, improve efficiencyMaintainExpand
 See the details below →

A large majority of over 80% on the left would like to expand Medicare benefits., while on the right a small majority of 54% would like to reduce or significantly cut benefits.

Medicaid

The survey (answered by 469 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on how the government should handle Medicaid spending?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • Expand Medicaid coverage and benefits.
  • Maintain current funding and eligibility levels.
  • Gradually reduce Medicaid spending and eligibility.
  • Cut Medicaid spending significantly.
  • Phase out federal Medicaid funding.
Medicaid — the headline result
Eliminate
18%
Cut
5%
Reduce
15%
Maintain
12%
Expand
50%
 See the details below →

Expanding Medicaid is the most popular option among half of Americans, while 38% wish to reduce or even eliminate Medicaid.

Medicaid — the crosstabs
Left
91%
Moderate Left
15%
79%
Center
12%
14%
14%
54%
Moderate Right
28%
31%
20%
17%
Right
52%
11%
21%
13%
EliminateCutReduceMaintainExpand
 See the details below →

Of those on the left, 91% wish to expand Medicaid, while of those on the right, 84% would like to reduce, cut or even eliminate Medicaid.

Appendix A - Survey Content

Each of the participants was provided with optional background information on each of these policy topics before responding. We encourage you to review the survey in detail if you have questions on what each participant read.

For each of the questions we have looked at the overall opinion of all survey takers as well as the split based on political leanings, distinguishing between the left, moderate left, center, moderate right and the right, each representing 20% of the overall population.

Appendix B - ActiVote Polling Methodology

ActiVote collects survey responses from survey takers through the ActiVote app, both available on web and smartphone (the vast majority of participants in this survey used the web version).The survey responses are weighted based on various characteristics to ensure the sample reflects the opinion of the American public at large. Feel free to review ActiVote’s polling methodology. More information about ActiVote’s polls can be found at ActiVote’s polling page.

The Details

Every question in this piece, with its answers as asked, its breakdowns by group and its methodology.

Federal Debt

Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on our Federal debt?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Federal Debt · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 560 RV Unweighted Weighted Balanced budget amendment Increase debt/GDP ratio only in rare cases debt/GDP ratio change based on good/bad times Slowly growing debt/GDP ratio is fine No need to worry about debt/GDP ratio
National ±4.1% MoE 100% 100% 49% 20% 26% 3% 2%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 18% 18% 50% 8% 6%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 32% 22% 41% 3% 1%
Center 15% 20% 50% 24% 21% 3% 3%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 65% 19% 14% 1% 1%
Right 13% 20% 78% 15% 6% 1% 0%
Region rural 37% 32% 52% 20% 23% 3% 2%
suburban 39% 36% 45% 24% 26% 1% 4%
urban 25% 32% 49% 15% 30% 5% 0%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 43% 24% 27% 2% 4%
30-49 43% 32% 42% 23% 25% 4% 5%
50-64 18% 24% 52% 18% 26% 3% 1%
65+ 15% 29% 55% 15% 28% 2% 0%
Gender F 27% 52% 53% 17% 25% 4% 2%
M 73% 48% 44% 23% 28% 2% 3%
Affiliation D 50% 39% 38% 21% 34% 4% 4%
R 27% 33% 66% 16% 16% 1% 0%
I 21% 26% 40% 24% 31% 2% 3%
Ethnicity White 83% 68% 47% 20% 27% 4% 2%
Black 9% 11% 51% 7% 35% 0% 8%
Latino 4% 14% 63% 28% 9% 0% 0%
Income Low 18% 21% 48% 22% 26% 2% 2%
Middle 33% 41% 54% 15% 27% 4% 1%
High 49% 38% 43% 23% 27% 3% 3%
Education Highschool 24% 32% 61% 10% 25% 3% 1%
Some College 12% 24% 41% 30% 26% 0% 3%
BSC+ 64% 44% 44% 21% 28% 5% 3%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 560 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.1%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Balance of Taxes & Spending Cuts

Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on how to reduce the deficit?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Balance of Taxes & Spending Cuts · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 547 RV Unweighted Weighted Mostly cuts More cuts Even balance More tax Mostly tax
National ±4.2% MoE 100% 100% 31% 11% 24% 26% 8%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 1% 1% 11% 60% 27%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 2% 8% 33% 47% 9%
Center 15% 20% 23% 15% 36% 23% 2%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 47% 19% 32% 2% 0%
Right 13% 20% 80% 13% 7% 0% 0%
Region rural 37% 31% 31% 15% 22% 26% 6%
suburban 39% 36% 37% 8% 27% 20% 8%
urban 25% 32% 24% 12% 21% 32% 11%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 32% 15% 16% 28% 10%
30-49 43% 32% 31% 11% 20% 27% 11%
50-64 18% 24% 35% 7% 28% 22% 7%
65+ 15% 28% 27% 14% 29% 27% 4%
Gender F 27% 52% 24% 12% 26% 31% 7%
M 73% 48% 39% 11% 21% 21% 10%
Affiliation D 50% 39% 17% 4% 23% 42% 13%
R 27% 32% 48% 17% 22% 10% 2%
I 21% 27% 31% 15% 25% 21% 8%
Ethnicity White 83% 67% 36% 12% 23% 23% 6%
Black 9% 11% 24% 9% 17% 38% 11%
Latino 4% 14% 25% 13% 35% 16% 10%
Income Low 18% 20% 29% 12% 16% 35% 8%
Middle 33% 42% 34% 10% 26% 23% 8%
High 49% 37% 29% 13% 26% 25% 8%
Education Highschool 24% 32% 19% 8% 30% 30% 13%
Some College 12% 23% 38% 3% 27% 27% 5%
BSC+ 64% 45% 36% 19% 17% 22% 6%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 547 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.2%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Long-Term Deficit Reform

Which of these statements best reflects your views on how to reduce future deficits?

The answers as asked

Charts and tables use the short label at the start of each line.

  1. Balanced budget amendment: Enact a constitutional balanced-budget requirement.
  2. Caps: Cap spending or trigger automatic cuts to balance budgets.
  3. Super PAYGO: Require new policies to reduce the deficit overall ("Super PAYGO").
  4. PAYGO: Require new spending or tax cuts to be offset (PAYGO).
  5. Growth: Prioritize growth and investment over deficit reduction.

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Long-Term Deficit Reform · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 519 RV Unweighted Weighted Balanced budget amendment Caps Super PAYGO PAYGO Growth
National ±4.3% MoE 100% 100% 37% 8% 32% 10% 13%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 15% 5% 31% 17% 32%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 24% 4% 40% 18% 14%
Center 15% 20% 33% 12% 42% 9% 5%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 49% 11% 24% 7% 9%
Right 13% 20% 59% 11% 20% 2% 8%
Region rural 37% 32% 37% 13% 31% 7% 12%
suburban 39% 36% 40% 11% 32% 10% 6%
urban 25% 32% 33% 0% 32% 13% 22%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 41% 7% 31% 12% 9%
30-49 43% 33% 34% 7% 33% 14% 12%
50-64 18% 24% 36% 14% 31% 10% 9%
65+ 15% 28% 39% 6% 30% 5% 20%
Gender F 27% 53% 34% 10% 34% 9% 12%
M 73% 47% 39% 7% 28% 11% 14%
Affiliation D 50% 39% 30% 4% 33% 12% 21%
R 27% 33% 50% 18% 21% 5% 7%
I 21% 26% 30% 4% 41% 15% 10%
Ethnicity White 83% 66% 38% 13% 30% 10% 9%
Black 9% 12% 34% 0% 36% 11% 19%
Latino 4% 15% 49% 0% 31% 4% 15%
Income Low 18% 20% 30% 8% 38% 5% 18%
Middle 33% 43% 44% 11% 24% 7% 14%
High 49% 37% 32% 5% 37% 17% 9%
Education Highschool 24% 34% 43% 15% 25% 10% 8%
Some College 12% 24% 35% 4% 40% 5% 17%
BSC+ 64% 42% 33% 6% 32% 14% 16%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 519 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.3%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Debt Ceiling

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on the debt ceiling?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Debt Ceiling · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 510 RV Unweighted Weighted Fix debt ceiling at current level Strengthen the debt ceiling Current situation is fine Make shutdowns impossible Abolish debt ceiling
National ±4.3% MoE 100% 100% 12% 50% 4% 20% 15%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 5% 15% 3% 31% 46%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 3% 51% 5% 26% 15%
Center 15% 20% 3% 62% 6% 22% 7%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 16% 64% 6% 12% 3%
Right 13% 20% 32% 55% 1% 8% 3%
Region rural 37% 32% 18% 50% 3% 18% 10%
suburban 39% 35% 17% 44% 1% 18% 19%
urban 25% 33% 0% 55% 9% 22% 14%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 8% 56% 2% 20% 14%
30-49 43% 33% 19% 45% 5% 15% 16%
50-64 18% 24% 15% 39% 0% 27% 20%
65+ 15% 28% 4% 61% 8% 19% 8%
Gender F 27% 51% 6% 53% 4% 25% 13%
M 73% 49% 19% 47% 4% 14% 17%
Affiliation D 50% 39% 3% 54% 3% 19% 20%
R 27% 34% 27% 45% 7% 18% 2%
I 21% 26% 7% 49% 1% 21% 21%
Ethnicity White 83% 66% 15% 47% 4% 21% 13%
Black 9% 12% 0% 53% 3% 11% 33%
Latino 4% 15% 15% 66% 0% 19% 0%
Income Low 18% 21% 20% 56% 8% 13% 3%
Middle 33% 40% 4% 59% 4% 21% 13%
High 49% 39% 16% 38% 2% 22% 23%
Education Highschool 24% 34% 27% 46% 0% 13% 13%
Some College 12% 24% 0% 78% 0% 14% 8%
BSC+ 64% 42% 7% 36% 10% 28% 20%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 510 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.3%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Ordinary Income Tax Rates

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on the highest marginal tax rate?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Ordinary Income Tax Rates · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 497 RV Unweighted Weighted Reduce below 37% Keep 37% 45% for top 1% 70% over $10M 90% or more
National ±4.4% MoE 100% 100% 38% 10% 23% 19% 9%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 0% 0% 21% 46% 32%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 15% 5% 43% 30% 7%
Center 15% 20% 39% 13% 31% 14% 3%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 64% 16% 14% 4% 2%
Right 13% 20% 78% 16% 5% 0% 0%
Region rural 37% 32% 41% 15% 20% 17% 8%
suburban 39% 37% 33% 12% 33% 18% 4%
urban 25% 31% 42% 2% 15% 24% 16%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 27% 8% 27% 26% 12%
30-49 43% 31% 32% 3% 29% 21% 15%
50-64 18% 24% 37% 14% 22% 20% 8%
65+ 15% 30% 51% 14% 17% 15% 3%
Gender F 27% 52% 34% 8% 29% 21% 8%
M 73% 48% 43% 12% 16% 18% 11%
Affiliation D 50% 38% 31% 6% 26% 26% 12%
R 27% 32% 64% 15% 10% 5% 6%
I 21% 28% 22% 11% 32% 26% 10%
Ethnicity White 83% 69% 37% 12% 23% 18% 10%
Black 9% 11% 52% 0% 23% 19% 5%
Latino 4% 13% 51% 13% 13% 15% 8%
Income Low 18% 19% 45% 10% 17% 21% 8%
Middle 33% 45% 36% 11% 24% 20% 9%
High 49% 36% 38% 8% 26% 18% 10%
Education Highschool 24% 30% 42% 9% 19% 18% 11%
Some College 12% 24% 26% 10% 30% 23% 10%
BSC+ 64% 45% 42% 10% 22% 18% 7%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 497 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.4%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Corporate Tax Rate

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on the corporate tax rate?

We also asked this question once before:

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Corporate Tax Rate · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 493 RV Unweighted Weighted Cut to 15% Keep 21% 21% + higher capital gains Raise to 24% Raise to 35%
National ±4.4% MoE 100% 100% 28% 9% 6% 23% 34%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 1% 0% 8% 32% 59%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 9% 6% 8% 26% 51%
Center 15% 20% 19% 15% 8% 25% 33%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 42% 13% 5% 26% 14%
Right 13% 20% 73% 12% 2% 5% 9%
Region rural 37% 30% 31% 6% 7% 25% 31%
suburban 39% 37% 29% 13% 2% 25% 31%
urban 25% 33% 24% 8% 10% 19% 40%
Age 18-29 25% 16% 24% 7% 6% 19% 43%
30-49 43% 30% 34% 5% 13% 28% 21%
50-64 18% 26% 26% 17% 2% 23% 32%
65+ 15% 28% 25% 8% 3% 21% 43%
Gender F 27% 51% 18% 8% 2% 27% 44%
M 73% 49% 38% 11% 10% 18% 23%
Affiliation D 50% 40% 16% 7% 9% 23% 46%
R 27% 30% 40% 18% 5% 21% 16%
I 21% 28% 32% 4% 3% 26% 34%
Ethnicity White 83% 69% 28% 9% 7% 23% 34%
Black 9% 12% 30% 10% 0% 25% 36%
Latino 4% 15% 33% 0% 0% 28% 39%
Income Low 18% 22% 29% 8% 6% 12% 45%
Middle 33% 40% 32% 10% 5% 25% 28%
High 49% 39% 23% 10% 7% 27% 33%
Education Highschool 24% 31% 26% 0% 0% 24% 50%
Some College 12% 25% 36% 0% 0% 31% 33%
BSC+ 64% 45% 24% 21% 14% 18% 23%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 493 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.4%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Capital Gains vs. Ordinary Income Tax

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on income tax rates?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Capital Gains vs. Ordinary Income Tax · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 490 RV Unweighted Weighted Higher tax rates for lower incomes Reduce all tax rates Keep as is Higher rates for higher incomes Tax as ordinary income
National ±4.4% MoE 100% 100% 2% 42% 3% 32% 21%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 0% 0% 0% 60% 39%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 1% 19% 2% 52% 26%
Center 15% 20% 3% 44% 6% 30% 17%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 1% 66% 7% 12% 14%
Right 13% 20% 4% 87% 2% 2% 4%
Region rural 37% 30% 1% 45% 3% 31% 20%
suburban 39% 36% 1% 40% 3% 34% 22%
urban 25% 33% 4% 41% 5% 31% 19%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 1% 42% 3% 38% 16%
30-49 43% 31% 1% 43% 3% 31% 23%
50-64 18% 26% 3% 45% 3% 27% 21%
65+ 15% 28% 3% 38% 5% 35% 20%
Gender F 27% 53% 1% 41% 0% 37% 20%
M 73% 47% 2% 43% 7% 26% 21%
Affiliation D 50% 41% 2% 22% 5% 39% 32%
R 27% 30% 1% 68% 4% 17% 10%
I 21% 27% 3% 45% 1% 36% 15%
Ethnicity White 83% 66% 3% 43% 2% 32% 20%
Black 9% 12% 0% 43% 12% 22% 23%
Latino 4% 15% 0% 39% 0% 41% 20%
Income Low 18% 21% 0% 41% 9% 32% 18%
Middle 33% 40% 3% 39% 2% 33% 23%
High 49% 39% 1% 46% 2% 31% 19%
Education Highschool 24% 34% 0% 34% 7% 40% 19%
Some College 12% 25% 4% 45% 0% 28% 23%
BSC+ 64% 41% 2% 47% 3% 28% 20%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 490 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.4%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Wealth Tax

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on a wealth tax?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Wealth Tax · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 483 RV Unweighted Weighted Unconstitutional Do not implement 1% over $1B 2% over $50M Progressive wealth tax
National ±4.5% MoE 100% 100% 29% 11% 7% 3% 50%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 0% 1% 6% 2% 90%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 8% 3% 8% 3% 78%
Center 15% 20% 21% 12% 12% 5% 50%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 50% 23% 5% 2% 21%
Right 13% 20% 73% 15% 3% 3% 6%
Region rural 37% 31% 39% 9% 4% 6% 43%
suburban 39% 35% 33% 12% 2% 1% 52%
urban 25% 33% 16% 11% 16% 3% 54%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 21% 7% 9% 3% 61%
30-49 43% 31% 27% 6% 9% 2% 56%
50-64 18% 25% 39% 14% 5% 3% 39%
65+ 15% 29% 27% 15% 7% 4% 47%
Gender F 27% 52% 29% 4% 6% 3% 58%
M 73% 48% 29% 18% 9% 3% 41%
Affiliation D 50% 40% 10% 4% 12% 3% 71%
R 27% 31% 60% 9% 4% 3% 24%
I 21% 27% 24% 23% 4% 2% 47%
Ethnicity White 83% 67% 34% 9% 3% 4% 50%
Black 9% 11% 16% 13% 3% 4% 65%
Latino 4% 14% 29% 0% 6% 0% 65%
Income Low 18% 21% 14% 10% 10% 5% 61%
Middle 33% 41% 40% 10% 4% 2% 45%
High 49% 38% 26% 12% 10% 3% 49%
Education Highschool 24% 33% 21% 3% 14% 1% 61%
Some College 12% 24% 24% 23% 3% 0% 50%
BSC+ 64% 43% 38% 9% 5% 6% 42%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 483 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.5%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Spending Cuts and the Federal Budget

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on how the government should approach spending cuts?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Spending Cuts and the Federal Budget · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 468 RV Unweighted Weighted Cut each year Reform entitlements Improve programs Bipartisan panel Limited cuts only
National ±4.5% MoE 100% 100% 16% 17% 9% 51% 7%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 1% 12% 6% 55% 26%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 3% 7% 4% 80% 6%
Center 15% 20% 10% 14% 7% 66% 3%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 24% 27% 12% 36% 0%
Right 13% 20% 40% 26% 19% 15% 0%
Region rural 37% 32% 18% 22% 8% 45% 6%
suburban 39% 36% 13% 19% 14% 47% 7%
urban 25% 32% 17% 9% 5% 61% 8%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 14% 17% 10% 51% 8%
30-49 43% 33% 14% 20% 8% 48% 10%
50-64 18% 24% 15% 16% 11% 52% 5%
65+ 15% 27% 20% 12% 10% 53% 5%
Gender F 27% 52% 13% 7% 8% 63% 9%
M 73% 48% 19% 27% 11% 38% 6%
Affiliation D 50% 38% 11% 10% 7% 61% 11%
R 27% 34% 25% 26% 12% 35% 2%
I 21% 27% 10% 16% 10% 55% 8%
Ethnicity White 83% 68% 16% 20% 6% 50% 8%
Black 9% 11% 0% 24% 4% 69% 2%
Latino 4% 15% 31% 3% 19% 44% 2%
Income Low 18% 21% 10% 11% 7% 65% 6%
Middle 33% 42% 18% 16% 14% 44% 7%
High 49% 37% 16% 21% 5% 50% 8%
Education Highschool 24% 35% 23% 21% 2% 44% 10%
Some College 12% 21% 0% 5% 20% 75% 0%
BSC+ 64% 44% 18% 18% 10% 45% 9%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 468 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.5%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

US Military Spending

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on US military spending?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · US Military Spending · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 481 RV Unweighted Weighted grow spending as % current level reduce by eliminating waste reduce military spending drastically reduce spending
National ±4.5% MoE 100% 100% 10% 5% 56% 18% 11%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 0% 0% 25% 42% 33%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 2% 1% 65% 26% 6%
Center 15% 20% 9% 8% 70% 10% 4%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 13% 6% 67% 6% 6%
Right 13% 20% 30% 11% 49% 3% 7%
Region rural 37% 32% 13% 1% 66% 13% 7%
suburban 39% 36% 10% 7% 46% 24% 14%
urban 25% 32% 8% 8% 57% 15% 12%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 12% 12% 43% 20% 14%
30-49 43% 32% 6% 6% 50% 20% 19%
50-64 18% 25% 17% 6% 56% 14% 6%
65+ 15% 28% 7% 0% 69% 18% 6%
Gender F 27% 53% 0% 4% 63% 22% 11%
M 73% 47% 21% 6% 48% 13% 12%
Affiliation D 50% 38% 10% 2% 45% 26% 18%
R 27% 32% 12% 5% 66% 9% 8%
I 21% 27% 9% 10% 59% 18% 5%
Ethnicity White 83% 68% 12% 2% 59% 17% 10%
Black 9% 11% 4% 14% 52% 21% 9%
Latino 4% 14% 0% 16% 42% 25% 16%
Income Low 18% 20% 8% 2% 70% 14% 6%
Middle 33% 42% 14% 6% 52% 18% 10%
High 49% 37% 7% 6% 53% 19% 16%
Education Highschool 24% 32% 0% 2% 67% 26% 6%
Some College 12% 24% 0% 14% 59% 14% 13%
BSC+ 64% 44% 22% 3% 46% 14% 14%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 481 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.5%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Funding Social Security

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on fixing Social Security funding?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Funding Social Security · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 476 RV Unweighted Weighted Privatize social security Gradually reduce benefits for all Gradually increase eligibility age Gradually reduce benefits paid to the wealthy Eliminate earnings cap
National ±4.5% MoE 100% 100% 27% 1% 5% 8% 58%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 0% 0% 2% 9% 89%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 6% 1% 3% 9% 82%
Center 15% 20% 20% 2% 7% 12% 59%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 49% 0% 6% 8% 37%
Right 13% 20% 66% 3% 6% 5% 21%
Region rural 37% 32% 41% 0% 4% 5% 50%
suburban 39% 36% 27% 2% 7% 7% 57%
urban 25% 32% 15% 1% 3% 13% 68%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 26% 2% 4% 15% 53%
30-49 43% 32% 34% 0% 7% 8% 52%
50-64 18% 23% 20% 0% 5% 11% 64%
65+ 15% 30% 27% 3% 2% 4% 64%
Gender F 27% 52% 25% 2% 5% 7% 61%
M 73% 48% 30% 1% 5% 10% 55%
Affiliation D 50% 40% 9% 1% 4% 8% 79%
R 27% 30% 54% 2% 10% 5% 30%
I 21% 28% 26% 1% 1% 12% 60%
Ethnicity White 83% 66% 38% 2% 3% 9% 48%
Black 9% 12% 0% 0% 10% 17% 73%
Latino 4% 15% 14% 0% 0% 4% 82%
Income Low 18% 21% 15% 0% 12% 7% 66%
Middle 33% 43% 34% 1% 1% 9% 55%
High 49% 37% 27% 2% 4% 8% 58%
Education Highschool 24% 30% 12% 0% 11% 5% 72%
Some College 12% 25% 36% 0% 0% 10% 54%
BSC+ 64% 45% 33% 3% 3% 10% 52%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 476 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.5%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Medicare

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on the future of Medicare?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Medicare · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 471 RV Unweighted Weighted Significantly cut Reduce Slow growth, improve efficiency Maintain Expand
National ±4.5% MoE 100% 100% 12% 7% 28% 7% 46%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 0% 4% 13% 4% 80%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 0% 3% 19% 6% 72%
Center 15% 20% 8% 5% 37% 6% 44%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 16% 10% 46% 8% 20%
Right 13% 20% 38% 16% 30% 13% 4%
Region rural 37% 31% 10% 11% 25% 7% 47%
suburban 39% 36% 16% 4% 33% 9% 37%
urban 25% 33% 9% 6% 25% 5% 55%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 8% 14% 33% 3% 41%
30-49 43% 32% 17% 9% 22% 7% 45%
50-64 18% 25% 13% 0% 31% 12% 44%
65+ 15% 27% 7% 7% 29% 5% 52%
Gender F 27% 52% 13% 2% 24% 4% 57%
M 73% 48% 11% 12% 32% 10% 34%
Affiliation D 50% 40% 2% 4% 21% 4% 69%
R 27% 32% 28% 8% 38% 4% 22%
I 21% 27% 7% 11% 27% 15% 40%
Ethnicity White 83% 66% 15% 11% 28% 5% 41%
Black 9% 12% 10% 0% 18% 10% 62%
Latino 4% 15% 6% 0% 31% 16% 47%
Income Low 18% 21% 8% 0% 34% 7% 52%
Middle 33% 42% 15% 6% 24% 10% 46%
High 49% 37% 11% 12% 29% 4% 43%
Education Highschool 24% 32% 4% 2% 24% 11% 59%
Some College 12% 23% 0% 7% 27% 10% 56%
BSC+ 64% 44% 24% 10% 32% 3% 31%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 471 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.5%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Medicaid

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on how the government should handle Medicaid spending?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Medicaid · December 11, 2025
ActiVote 469 RV Unweighted Weighted Eliminate Cut Reduce Maintain Expand
National ±4.5% MoE 100% 100% 18% 5% 15% 12% 50%
Political Spectrum Left 33% 20% 0% 4% 4% 1% 91%
Moderate Left 30% 20% 0% 1% 6% 15% 79%
Center 15% 20% 12% 7% 14% 14% 54%
Moderate Right 8% 20% 28% 4% 31% 20% 17%
Right 13% 20% 52% 11% 21% 13% 4%
Region rural 37% 31% 22% 4% 15% 12% 47%
suburban 39% 36% 18% 8% 13% 18% 43%
urban 25% 33% 16% 2% 17% 7% 59%
Age 18-29 25% 15% 17% 13% 8% 11% 52%
30-49 43% 33% 19% 5% 15% 12% 48%
50-64 18% 26% 16% 4% 23% 13% 44%
65+ 15% 27% 21% 0% 11% 13% 55%
Gender F 27% 52% 13% 4% 15% 11% 57%
M 73% 48% 25% 6% 14% 14% 41%
Affiliation D 50% 38% 10% 2% 2% 11% 74%
R 27% 33% 36% 7% 27% 9% 20%
I 21% 28% 8% 5% 19% 18% 50%
Ethnicity White 83% 66% 20% 6% 17% 13% 44%
Black 9% 12% 20% 8% 2% 5% 64%
Latino 4% 15% 17% 0% 8% 7% 68%
Income Low 18% 20% 8% 4% 14% 14% 61%
Middle 33% 43% 21% 6% 8% 14% 51%
High 49% 37% 22% 3% 23% 10% 42%
Education Highschool 24% 32% 8% 0% 22% 15% 55%
Some College 12% 23% 0% 0% 8% 18% 73%
BSC+ 64% 45% 36% 11% 13% 7% 33%
Methodology. Fielded November 2025 among 469 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.5%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.