Nebraska poll reveals deep political divides

By Scout Nelson

The latest results from the 2024 Nebraska Rural Poll have shed light on the concerns of rural Nebraskans about the current state of political discourse. Conducted annually, this poll surveys perceptions on various issues, revealing a common worry about the lack of respectful dialogue within the political arena.

According to the poll, most rural Nebraskans—69%—view the decline in civil discourse as a serious issue, with 29% considering it very serious. These figures are consistent with last year's results, indicating a sustained concern among the population.

The perceived increase in political divisiveness may be influencing these views, with 67% of participants feeling that people are much more divided now.

L.J. McElravy, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, reflects on these findings, suggesting that the current political climate poses challenges for leaders tasked with addressing critical national issues. Furthermore, over 80% of those surveyed believe that the upcoming presidential campaigns and media coverage will only exacerbate these divisions.

Despite the recognized divisiveness, there is still a sense of community resilience; 86% of respondents report maintaining friendships across political lines. However, the strain of political differences is evident, as approximately 27% have family, and 28% have friends they no longer speak with due to political disagreements. This trend is more pronounced among younger Nebraskans and those in larger communities.

Heather Akin, another academic voice from the university, notes that while rural communities generally uphold strong relational bonds, political discord has led to noticeable rifts among some individuals.

To address and discuss these issues further, a webinar is scheduled for October 2, aiming to delve deeper into the findings and explore potential solutions for improving civil discourse.

This poll, conducted by Rural Prosperity Nebraska with Nebraska Extension funding, reached out to over 5,800 households, achieving responses from 1,010 households across 86 counties. The margin of error stands at plus-or-minus 3%, providing a reliable snapshot of the current sentiments among rural Nebraskans.

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