Gonzales Survey Results On Assault Weapons Ban
Gonzales/Arscott
Research & Communications, Inc.
Maryland Poll - 2003
Methodology
Patrick E. Gonzales and Carol A. Arscott formed Gonzales/Arscott Research & Communications,
Inc. at the beginning of 1999.
Gonzales is a 1981 graduate of the University of Baltimore with deep roots
in Anne Arundel County politics. Arscott is a 1977 graduate of the Georgetown
University School of Foreign Service and a former chairman of the Howard County
Republican Party.
This survey was conducted by Gonzales/Arscott Research & Communications,
Inc. from March 14th through March 17th, 2003. A total of 838 registered voters
in Maryland were interviewed by telephone. A cross-section of calls was made
into each jurisdiction within the state to reflect general election voting
patterns.
The margin for error, according to customary statistical standards, is no more
than plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. This means that there is a 95 percent
probability that the “true” figures would fall within this range if the entire
survey universe were sampled. The margin for error is higher for any demographic
subgroup, such as gender or race.
Maryland Statewide Poll Sample Demographics
Gender |
Race |
Region |
Male 411 (49%) |
White 644 (77%) |
Eastern Shore 87 (10%) |
Female 427 (51%) |
Black 177 (21%) |
Baltimore City 85 (10%) |
Other/Ref 17 |
Baltimore Suburbs 281 (34%) |
|
. |
Washington Suburbs 290 (35%) |
|
. |
Western Maryland 95 (11%) |
|
party registration |
||
Democrat 461 (55%) |
Republican 277 (33%) |
Independent 100 (12%) |
Regional Groupings |
|
| Eastern Shore | includes voters in these counties: Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester. |
| Baltimore City | includes voters in the City of Baltimore. |
| Baltimore Suburbs | includes voters in these counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, and Howard. |
| Washington Suburbs | includes voters in these counties: Montgomery, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s. |
| Western Maryland | includes voters in these counties: Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington. |
Analysis
Nearly two-thirds of Maryland voters (64%) say they favor a ban on the future
sales of military-style assault weapons, while 33% oppose a future ban. The
remaining 3% gave no answer.
A ban on the future sale of military-style assault weapons enjoys broad support
in the Maryland electorate, with majorities in favor in every demographic subgroup
in the survey, including Republicans (52%), Eastern Shoremen (58%), and Western
Maryland voters (53%).
Men (57%) give the proposal majority support, but women (71%) are more enthusiastic.
Baltimore City voters (79%), African-Americans (77%), and Democrats (73%) are
the biggest supporters of a ban on future sales of military-style assault weapons.
QUESTION: The Maryland General Assembly is considering a ban on the future
sale of military-style assault weapons. Do you favor or oppose this measure?
favor |
oppose |
no answer |
|
Statewide |
64% |
33% |
3% |
Eastern shore |
58% |
39% |
3% |
Baltimore city |
79% |
20% |
1% |
Baltimore suburbs |
59% |
37% |
4% |
Washington suburbs |
70% |
28% |
2% |
Western maryland |
53% |
42% |
5% |
Men |
57% |
40% |
3% |
Women |
71% |
26% |
3% |
White |
60% |
38% |
2% |
| African-american | 77% |
17% |
6% |
Democrat |
73% |
25% |
2% |
Republican |
52% |
45% |
3% |
Iindependent |
57% |
36% |
7% |