More than Nine in Ten Americans Agree that Data and Evidence Should Influence Government Decisionmaking
In February 2026, Results for America partnered with polling firm Echelon Insights to get a fresh look at voter attitudes toward evidence-based policymaking.
The survey found near universal support for evidence-based policymaking. An overwhelming majority of voters – including 91% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats – broadly support evidence-based policymaking, and more than nine in ten voters agree that data and evidence should be a top influence in shaping policy.
Echelon Insights conducted the survey of 1,038 likely voters nationwide, and found that Americans strongly favor a thoughtful, data-driven approach to investing taxpayer dollars over broad, indiscriminate cuts to programs and agencies.
Additional topline findings include:
- Americans want the government to spend smarter.
- By a 21-point margin (58% to 37%), voters say the primary goal of evidence-based policy should be identifying the best programs to expand, rather than identifying wasteful programs to cut.
- Voters believe evidence can help leaders solve problems and rebuild trust.
- 92% of respondents believe that looking at evidence of what works will make sure the government is actually making progress solving problems instead of doing the same things year after year.
- Voters are more likely to support leaders who use evidence to guide policy.
- 85% of respondents say they are more likely to vote for officials who support policies and programs that have been shown to work through evidence.
Below you will find several resources related to our polling, including our one-page summary of findings, the full toplines from Echelon Insights, and the raw crosstab data.
Please include the following citation when using any findings from this poll:
Results for America. (February 2026). Evidence-based Policymaking Survey. Echelon Insights.
For questions: Email Kenneth Megan at [email protected].