NEW POLL: 83% of Virginians Support Paid Sick Days, Revealing a Bipartisan Call to Action

Wide Majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents Support Legislature Taking Action to Require Paid Sick Days for Workers

RICHMOND - A new poll released today shows that Virginians strongly support legislation to require employers to provide workers with paid sick days. The poll shows that 83% of Virginians support a paid sick day standard, including 96% of Democrats, 78% of Independents, and 72% of Republicans.

The poll, conducted by YouGov, was commissioned by the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and Freedom Virginia. Both non-profits are members of the Virginians for Paid Sick Days Coalition. The poll asked Virginians if they “support or oppose requiring Virginia employers to offer paid sick days to their employees.” 83% of Virginians supported the proposal, and only 12% were opposed. 5% were undecided. The poll was conducted from August 18-31, 2020 and had a margin of error of 3.5%.

“This poll shows the momentum behind paid sick days in Virginia,” said Kim Bobo, executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center. “Across the political spectrum, Virginians are demanding action on paid sick days to keep workers healthy and keep our economy open. The legislature should heed the bipartisan call for action and pass a paid sick day standard for Virginia’s workers.”

Many business leaders across the state support this legislation. “Workers need the time to stay home if they have COVID-19 - and it's in the best interest of my business for them to do so. Paid sick days are good for business,” said LaJuanna Russell, President, Business Management Associates, Inc. In Alexandria, VA, and Chair, Small Business Majority.

Read the entire poll memo here.