62 Percent of Voters Believe Worst of Pandemic Still to Come

November 19, 2020: Pessimism about the pandemic has risen in recent weeks. A PoliticalIQ survey found that 62% of voters now believe the worst of the pandemic is still to come. That's up six points from a month ago. It's also just one point shy of the high-water mark for pessimism recorded in July.[1]

In July, however, just 15% thought the worst was behind us. That figure is 22% today.[1]

Throughout August and September, weekly polling showed pessimism about the pandemic gradually declining. During September, fewer than half believed the worst was yet to come. However, that all changed following news that President Trump tested positive for COVID-19.[1]

Thirty-seven percent of Republicans now believe the worst is behind us. However, 80% of Democrats and 61% of independents believe the worst is still to come.[1]

The table below highlights selected results showing trends over the past few months.

Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author. Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day is published by Ballotpedia weekdays at 9:00 a.m. Eastern. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author. Scott Rasmussen is founder and president of the Rasmussen Media Group. He is the author of "Mad as Hell: How the Tea Party Movement Is Fundamentally Remaking Our Two-Party System," "In Search of Self-Governance," and "The People’s Money: How Voters Will Balance the Budget and Eliminate the Federal Debt." Read Scott Rasmussen’s Reports — More Here.

1. ScottRasmussen.com, "Pessimism growing: 62% believe worst of pandemic still to come," November 17, 2020