National survey: Most oppose lockdown protests

WASHINGTON — A majority of Americans disapprove of protests against restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus, according to a new poll that also finds support for such limits — including restaurant closures and stayathome orders — has dipped in recent weeks.

The survey from the University of Chicago Divinity School and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds 55% of Americans disapprove of the protests that have emerged as some begin chafing at measures that have decimated the global economy. Thirtyone percent approve of the demonstrations.

In Michigan, thousands of people rallied in the state capital last month to protest Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s restrictions. Hundreds returned two weeks later, some of them armed, to demonstrate inside the statehouse.

Democrats are more likely than Republicans to disapprove of such protests, 67% to 51%. Thirtytwo percent of Republicans and 25% of Democrats say they approve.

Adam Blann, 37, of Carson City, Nev., said he does not personally favor the protests, but does not believe they should be restricted.

“Its a tough situation,” said Blann, a Republicanleaning voter. “But I also think that one of the reasons we live in a great country is that we have freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom to protest.”

As some states have begun to slowly ease restrictions on businesses and individuals, the poll finds that 71% of Americans favor requiring people to stay in their homes except for essential errands. Support for such measures is down slightly from 80% two weeks earlier.

The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.