Poll respondents say paychecks should precede wall

The Record’s online poll from Jan. 4 - 11 asked readers their opinion on whether they think the government should reopen while border wall negotiations are ongoing.

An estimated 800,000 federal workers are affected by the partial government shutdown, which began on Dec. 22 and has no immediate end in sight since Democrats and Republicans are nowhere close to a possible spending deal for President Donald Trump’s demand for $5.7 billion for a border wall.

While Trump continues to levy demands for a border wall, one of his chief campaign promises, many federal workers are trying to figure out how they’ll cover immediate costs like rent, utilities and medication. But many on the right feel securing a border wall is of paramount importance.

The poll asking, “Do you think the government should reopen while border wall negotiations are ongoing?” received a total of 169 votes, with the majority of votes — 73 percent or 124 votes — going to option “Yes, federal workers need to work and be paid despite the political atmosphere.” Twenty-seven percent of voters, or 45 votes, chose, “No, a border wall needs to be secured before the government reopens.”

 A majority of poll voters think that the government should reopen while border wall negotiations are ongoing because federal workers need to work and be paid despite the political atmosphere. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to, accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.

SMDR’s new poll is available online now, and asks readers on if they have personally been affected by the partial government shutdown. It can be voted on now.