Executive Summary

The poll reveals a strong public appetite for democratic oversight of powerful institutions, tighter advertising controls, and a suite of progressive social and economic reforms, with majority or large‑majority support across many proposals.

• A majority of respondents call for democratic oversight of the Supreme Court and for prohibiting members of Congress from holding stocks in industries they regulate. [3] [1] [2]
• There is strong demand for stricter advertising regulation, including genuine discount disclosures, bans on ads directed at children, and demotion of ad‑heavy websites; many also support a free‑app‑only search filter on the Apple App Store. [5] [7] [4] [6]
• Progressive economic and social policies receive broad backing: universal basic income, universal free school lunches, nationwide marijuana legalization, and support for gay rights and labor unions. [8] [12] [9] [10] [11]
• Environmental and community‑oriented concerns are evident, with participants emphasizing plastic pollution, a cautious stance on geoengineering, and a desire for more non‑commercial public spaces. [13] [15] [14]
• Over 80 % of participants agree that employees should be able to take home unsold food, and a large majority back adding a free‑app‑only search filter to the Apple App Store. [16] [6]

These findings suggest a clear mandate for policymakers to pursue reforms in judicial accountability, legislative financial ethics, advertising standards, and social safety‑net programs.

What People Believe

Supreme Court accountability and corruption

Participants believe the Supreme Court is unaccountable and corrupt and should be subject to voting-based checks or reforms. [3] [1] This reflects a desire for democratic oversight of the judiciary. [3]

Calls for stricter advertising regulation

Participants request stronger regulation or penalties for intrusive advertising online and on devices. [5] [7] [17] This indicates frustration with pervasive ads and a desire for consumer protection. [5]

Environmental concerns about pollution and geoengineering

Participants express concern about plastic pollution and caution regarding atmospheric geoengineering, advocating research but avoidance of deployment. [13] [15] This shows environmental awareness and preference for preventive measures. [13]

Desire for more non‑commercial public spaces

Participants wish for additional places to spend time that do not require spending money. [14] This reflects a longing for leisure opportunities independent of consumer spending. [14]

Age concerns for political leaders

Participants view age as a disqualifying factor for presidential candidates. [18] This suggests skepticism about older candidates' fitness for office. [18]

Citizenship test requirement for office

Participants propose that passing a citizenship test should be mandatory to run for or hold political office. [19] This indicates a belief that civic knowledge should be a prerequisite for leadership. [19]

Opposition to for‑profit prisons

Participants consider for‑profit prisons as dystopian and call for their abolition. [20] This reflects a moral objection to privatizing incarceration. [20]

Positive view of labor unions

Participants express a favorable opinion toward labor unions. [11] This shows support for collective worker organization. [11]

Support for gay rights

Participants express endorsement of gay rights. [10] This indicates a pro‑LGBTQ stance. [10]

Desire for low‑sugar beverage options

Participants wish for more drinks with little or no sugar and no artificial sweeteners. [21] This reflects health‑related consumer preferences. [21]

Suggested Policies and Actions

Allow restaurant and grocery store employees to take home unsold food

Over 80 % of participants agree that employees should be able to take home unsold food, indicating broad acceptance. [16]

Add a free‑app‑only search filter to the Apple App Store

A large majority of respondents support adding a search filter that returns only free apps without in‑app purchases or subscriptions. [6] This demand aligns with broader frustration about intrusive advertising, reflecting a desire for clearer, ad‑free experiences on platforms. [7] [5]

Prohibit members of Congress from owning stocks in industries they regulate

Strong bipartisan support is reflected in the high agreement range, suggesting viability for legislative action to bar legislators from holding equity in sectors they oversee. [2] This reflects a broader desire for democratic oversight and accountability of public officials, similar to calls for checks on judicial power. [3] [1]

Require that advertised percentage discounts reflect genuine price reductions

A high level of agreement indicates public demand for stricter advertising truthfulness standards, mandating that “X% off” claims be based on verifiable prior prices. [4] This aligns with widespread frustration over intrusive and misleading advertisements. [5]

Expand mental health service capacity and reduce response times

Broad consensus among participants underscores the urgency of improving mental health accessibility, calling for increased funding, staffing, and performance metrics to shorten wait times. [22]

Legalize marijuana nationwide

Over three‑quarters of respondents support legalization, indicating strong public backing for reforming federal cannabis prohibitions. [9]

Provide universal free lunch in public schools

High agreement suggests broad public approval for a nationwide school nutrition initiative that ensures every student receives at least one nutritious meal per day at no cost. [12] This mirrors a desire for more non‑commercial public spaces where essential services are freely available. [14]

Establish a universal basic income above the poverty line

Strong support across the sample indicates public openness to trialing or adopting a UBI system that provides a monthly cash payment sufficient to lift all citizens above the poverty threshold. [8]

Ban advertisements directed at children

A clear majority backs this restriction, reflecting concern for child consumer protection and the broader desire for stricter advertising regulation. [23] Participants have voiced frustration with pervasive ads, supporting tighter controls on marketing to vulnerable audiences. [5]

Tax the Church of Scientology as a commercial enterprise

Respondents show strong agreement, indicating public support for equal tax treatment of the organization as a for‑profit business. [24]

Abolish for‑profit prisons

A solid majority favors eliminating private contracts for correctional facilities, reflecting ethical concerns about profit‑driven incarceration. [20] This aligns with observations that for‑profit prisons are viewed as dystopian and should be abolished. [20]

Require Google Search to demote ad‑heavy websites

A strong consensus suggests this change would be well received by internet users, improving experience by lowering rankings of sites stuffed with advertisements. [7] This demand reflects broader frustration with intrusive ads and a desire for stricter advertising regulation. [5]