Majority of voters take relatively relaxed approach to mask-wearing in public

A majority of registered voters are relatively relaxed about wearing masks in public amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Just the News Daily Poll with Scott Rasmussen shows. 

Among the 63% of respondents who indicated at least moderate mask usage, 34% said they wear face coverings while out but remove them upon reaching a "socially distant" space such as a restaurant table. Fifteen percent said they never wear a mask unless they "absolutely have to," while 14% said they "generally" cover their faces to avoid offending others. 

Among the 37% of respondents who wear a mask "at all times" while around others, 28% said they were "offended" by those who do not. 

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Just the News Daily Poll

With Scott Rasmussen

Rasmussen called the data "significant."

"It shows that the question is not just between wearing a mask or not," he said. "Eighty-five percent typically wear a mask. But a much smaller number – 37% – are hyper-vigilant about it in daily life."

"It is worth noting," he also said, "that older voters are more likely than younger voters to wear a mask in private settings. That’s a common sense recognition of the fact that older voters are far more at risk from the coronavirus."

The survey of 1,200 Registered Voters was conducted by Rasmussen from September 17-19. 

To see this poll's cross-demographic tabulations, voting plans and voter turnout models, click here. 

To see this poll's methodology and sample demographics, click here.