October 22, 2020: For the third straight week, more than half the nation's voters believe the worst of the pandemic is still to come. Fifty-six percent (56%) now hold that view, up four points from a week ago.[1]

Throughout August and September, weekly polling showed pessimism about the pandemic gradually declining. During September, fewer than half believed the worst was yet to come. However, that all changed following news that President Trump tested positive for COVID-19.[1]

A PoliticalIQ poll conducted by Scott Rasmussen also found that just 22% of registered voters now believe the worst is behind us. That's down five points from a week ago and down seven from the peak optimism measured in early September.[1]

Twenty-seven percent (27%) of men believe the worst is behind us. So do 17% of women.[1]

Forty-one percent (41%) of Republicans now believe the worst is behind us. However, 74% of Democrats and 58% of independents believe the worst is still to come.[1]

The table below highlights selected results showing trends over the past few months.[1]

Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.

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