Daylight Saving Time: in only one state are people much more likely to support than oppose it

With Americans suffering the loss of an hour’s sleep recently, a new YouGov poll shows that it's an adjustment that many have made unwillingly.

The survey of more than 42,000 US adults finds that by 46% to 34%, Americans say their state should not practice Daylight Saving Time.

Among the two states that already do not observe Daylight Saving Time — Arizona and Hawaii — there appear to be no regrets. Hawaii, which left DST behind in 1967, opposes the time-change practice by 76% to 11%. Arizona, which abandoned DST in 1968, opposes it by 70% to 16%.

The poll comes as the House of Representatives is considering a bill called the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 to keep the clocks from changing each year. It’s a bill that could be popular nationwide. Those who live in the West (53% vs 30%) or Midwest (48% vs 32%) are especially likely to wish for the abandonment of DST, while those who live in the Northeast (37% vs 43%) or South (37% vs 44%) are more divided on the idea of “springing forward” and “falling back” each year.

In fact, only one state outright appears to prefer its continuation. By 49% to 31%, Mississippi wants to continue the practice of Daylight Saving Time.

Related: The best states for every season, according to residents

Methodology: 42,897 US adults 18+ were asked, “Do you think your state should or should not practice Daylight Saving Time?” with answer options for “Should,” “Should not,” and “Don’t know.” This survey was conducted February 12 - 19, 2021. The responding sample is weighted to be representative of the US population.

Image: Getty