A poll conducted by Kellyanne Conway on proposed e-cigarette bans indicated that "voters favor commonsense reform over outright bans." Conway's statement was shared in a Vapor Technology Association (VTA) press release on July 8.
"Americans continue to reject outright bans on popular, legal everyday consumables," said Conway, Pollster. "Whether it's social media apps, gas-powered cars, gas stoves, nicotine pouches, menthol cigarettes, or flavored vaping products. In this survey, we find voters favor commonsense reform over outright bans that put science over politics, to reduce harm and protect vulnerable communities like youth."
According to new polling data from the VTA, voters in three battleground states prefer light regulation of flavored e-cigarettes. The survey, which included 600 registered voters each in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, shows that voters are inclined to support elected officials who reconsider bans on flavored e-cigarettes. Initially, 75% of those polled believed vaping is "as bad or worse than smoking." Those views shifted when the same voters reviewed studies, resulting in a majority opposing efforts to eliminate flavored e-cigarettes.
In Pennsylvania, a vaping ban was initially supported by 58% of voters; however, after research information was provided, 54% then indicated opposition to the ban. In Michigan, support shifted from 55% in favor to 54% opposed, and in Wisconsin, it changed from 62% in favor to 51% opposed.
The VTA stated that the poll demonstrates information about vaping's efficacy in helping Americans quit smoking is particularly effective at changing voters' minds. The result of increased information about vaping is less support for government regulations on vaping products. The poll also indicated that since the pandemic in 2020, voters believe "politics and not science drive" public health agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Tony Abboud, the VTA executive director, said the poll "reinforces what the VTA has long maintained: When presented with factual information, American voters accept the importance of vaping as a harm reduction and smoking cessation tool and then question regulators' constant derogation of flavored e-cigarettes." Abboud added that the survey indicates the FDA should change its regulatory approach to allow adult access to smoking cessation tools while maintaining youth protection measures.
The poll was conducted for VTA by Kellyanne Conway, a pollster who has worked for Donald Trump’s election campaigns.