More Utah residents support gun law reform in new poll
Apr 2, 2021, 12:24 PM
FILE: The department can only offer up certain guns for sale. Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — A new poll related to gun control and safety in the wake of a number of recent shootings suggests a growing number of Utah voters support at least some form of reform.
The poll, from the Deseret News and the Hinckley Institute of Politics, found just 11% of registered Utah voters do not support any gun control reform.
Poll: Utah voters favor at least some gun law reforms
65% of all registered Utah voters in the poll would support requiring universal background checks to buy a gun. However, specific restrictions gathered less support. For example, just 34% supported a ban on assault-style weapons, and 29% percent supported stronger restrictions for carrying concealed.
The poll, conducted by Scott Rasmussen between March 26 and 31, surveyed 1,000 registered Utah voters. It has a margin of error of 3.1%.
Read more: Poll shows more Utahns favor universal background checks amid recent shootings
Support for universal background checks when buying a gun was stronger among Utah Democrats than Republicans in the poll. 86% of Democrats support universal background checks, compared to 47% of Utah Republicans.
Concealed carry law takes effect next month
This new poll came just shortly after Utah lawmakers voted to drop requirements that those who carry concealed must have a permit to do so in the state. The bill, signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox, will take effect May 5.
It also comes amid a reignited debate around gun control and gun rights, in part spurred on by a series of shootings in Atlanta, Boulder, Colo., and southern California, all in the last two weeks.
Also recently, the U.S. Marshals Office in Salt Lake City reported finding more guns on fugitives arrested by its strike team.
