Voters in key states want AI safety measures, poll finds

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Most voters want AI safety measures and think favoring them is a political asset in states Republicans are trying to hold onto in the Senate, according to a new poll shared first with Semafor.
Inquire, a polling firm run by Republican pollster Rob Schmidt, surveyed about 500 general election voters in Ohio and Iowa earlier this month and found voters prefer “reasonable” AI safety measures even if they hurt US competitiveness.
Ten regulatory proposals floated in the poll — including increased parental controls, bans on chatbots for minors, and government safety testing — received greater than 70% support from voters in each state. Those surveyed were also split on whether Republicans or Democrats can be trusted more on AI.
The results show there’s daylight between these voters and President Donald Trump, who wants AI to operate largely unfettered.
“American leadership in super intelligence is essential for our national security, economic prosperity, and the quality of life of the American people,” White House spokesperson Liz Huston told Semafor. “President Trump is committed to ensuring America continues to lead the world in super intelligence while protecting American consumers.”

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