Poll: Majority say protecting speech more important than curbing divisive language
A large majority of Americans say protecting free speech rights is more important than restricting divisive speech, according to a new survey.
The poll from Napolitan News Service asked 1,000 registered voters: “Is it more important to protect free speech or to prevent people from using overheated language?” Sixty-five percent said protecting speech is more important, while 24% responded that protecting people from divisive language is more important; 12% said they were unsure.
The same poll asked: “While it is always difficult to wish ill of another human being, is America better off now that Charlie Kirk has been killed?” While 67% responded no, 15% said yes and 18% were unsure.
Authorities are seeking the death penalty for the man charged with assassinating Kirk, something 55% of voters agree with if he is convicted, according to the poll; 37% said the alleged shooter should not face the death penalty while 22% were unsure.
The survey was conducted by pollster Scott Rasmussen’s RMG Research Sept. 12-13 and has a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.1 percentage points.
Latest News Stories
Will County Board Advances New Speed Limits in Green Garden and Frankfort Townships
New Lenox Garage Variance Denied After Neighbor Cites ‘Massive’ Scale and Neighborhood Impact
JJC Celebrates “Future Wolves” Partnerships with Joliet and Troy School Districts
State Veto Session Passes Energy Bill Limiting County Zoning, Approves Toll Hike for Mass Transit
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone School Board Committee of the Whole October 27, 2025
Commission Approves Peotone-Area Farmhouse Split, Overruling Staff’s “Spot Zoning” Concerns
Will County Finance Committee Hits Impasse on 2025 Tax Levy, Postpones Budget Votes
Federal Lobbyists Brief Will County on Government Shutdown, Warn of SNAP and TSA Disruptions
Will County Committee Advances Gougar Road Bridge Project with Over $540,000 in Agreements
Commission Approves Mokena-Area Garage Variance Over Village’s Objection
Residents Clash on School Funding, Citing Low Tax Rate vs. “Wasteful” Spending at Committee Meeting
JJC Receives Surprise $1.9 Million from IRS Employee Retention Credit
JJC Advances ERP Modernization with New Vendor and Two-Year Budget
