America approves of the Chauvin guilty verdict

Washington, DC, April 21, 2021 — In the immediate aftermath of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin being found guilty of the murder of George Floyd, the large majority of Americans agree with the verdict and plan to accept the results. With most Americans saying they have followed the trial at least somewhat, the verdict presents a rare moment when majorities of both Democrats and Republicans believe the outcome is correct.

However, this Ipsos snap poll, conducted in the three hours after the verdict was announced, does find that one in five Republicans say they plan to reject the verdict and one in four Democrats plan to accept the verdict and join rallies, marches, or protests. With continued division between Republicans and Democrats on emphasizing law and order versus the right to protest, this is likely to continue being a flash point in American society.

About the Study

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted between 5pm and 8pm on April 20, 2021, on behalf USA Today. For this survey, a sample of 1,000 adults age 18-65 from the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii was interviewed online in English. The sample includes 262 Republicans, 422 Democrats, and 316 Independents.

The sample was randomly drawn from Ipsos’ online panel, partner online panel sources, and “river” sampling and does not rely on a population frame in the traditional sense. Ipsos uses fixed sample targets, unique to each study, in drawing a sample. After a sample has been obtained from the Ipsos panel, Ipsos calibrates respondent characteristics to be representative of the U.S. Population using standard procedures such as raking-ratio adjustments. The source of these population targets is U.S. Census 2018 American Community Survey data. The sample drawn for this study reflects fixed sample targets on demographics. Posthoc weights were made to the population characteristics on gender, age, race/ethnicity, region, and education.

The sample was randomly drawn from Ipsos’ online panel, partner online panel sources, and “river” sampling and does not rely on a population frame in the traditional sense. Ipsos uses fixed sample targets, unique to each study, in drawing a sample. After a sample has been obtained from the Ipsos panel, Ipsos calibrates respondent characteristics to be representative of the U.S. Population using standard procedures such as raking-ratio adjustments. The source of these population targets is U.S. Census 2018 American Community Survey data. The sample drawn for this study reflects fixed sample targets on demographics. Posthoc weights were made to the population characteristics on gender, age, race/ethnicity, region, and education.

Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online non-probability polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error and measurement error. Where figures do not sum to 100, this is due to the effects of rounding. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for all respondents. Ipsos calculates a design effect (DEFF) for each study based on the variation of the weights, following the formula of Kish (1965). This study had a credibility interval adjusted for design effect of the following (n=1,000, DEFF=1.5, adjusted Confidence Interval=+/-5.0 percentage points).

The poll also has a credibility interval of plus or minus 6.9 percentage points for Republicans, plus or minus 5.4 percentage points for Democrats, and plus or minus 6.3 percentage points for Independents.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

Chris Jackson
Senior Vice President, U.S., Public Affairs
Ipsos
+1 202 420 2025
[email protected]

Mallory Newall
Director, U.S., Public Affairs
Ipsos
+1 202 420 2014
[email protected]

Kate Silverstein
Media Relations Specialist, U.S., Public Affairs
Ipsos
+1 718 755-8829
[email protected]

About Ipsos

Ipsos is the world’s third largest Insights and Analytics company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people.

Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. We serve more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).

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