Poll: New Data Finds Majority of NJ and Country in Favor of More Gun Control

New Jersey and Americans throughout the county appear to be in favor of stricter gun control regulations, according to recent polls. 

A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that 58 percent of New Jersey residents want stricter gun laws when it comes to state regulation, compared to 8 percent calling for less gun control.

The poll also found:

• 70 percent support a nationwide ban on high-capacity magazines. 
• 69 percent support a nationwide ban on assault weapons.
• 96 percent support background checks for all gun purchases, including those at gun shows.
• 78 percent support a federal database to track all gun sales.
• 92 percent support preventing people with mental illness from buying guns.
• 50 percent support placing armed police in public schools.

The Quinnipiac poll was conducted between Jan. 15 to 21 and surveyed 1,647 registered voters. 

However, when it came to what New Jersey residents believed were the most pressing problems facing the state, gun control ranked near the bottom. The economy received the top votes in that category, according to the poll.

While New Jersey may have some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation, the Garden State's feelings on gun control appear to be in line with the rest of the country.

A recent USA Today and Gallup poll found that 58 percent of Americans are in favor of stricter gun control sales.

In addition, the nationwide poll found:

• 47 percent of Americans they were in favor of passing new gun laws, up from 31 percent in 2011. 
• 51 percent were in favor of banning the sale of semi-automatic guns or assault-rifles. 
• 92 percent were in favor of enforcing background checks for individuals and dealers who purchase guns at gun shows. 
• 74 percent were in favor of a broad ban on the possession of handguns. 

The USA Today and Gallup poll was conducted between Dec. 19 to 22, just days after the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., where 20 children and seven adults were killed. 

What do you think of adopting new gun control? Let us know by voting in the Patch poll!