A recent poll indicates significant support among Washington, D.C. voters for implementing youth curfews, a policy opposed by leading mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George. The poll, conducted by the Washington Post and Schar School, reveals that 71% of registered voters favor restricting teenagers from gathering in certain areas at night, while 20% oppose the measure. Lewis George currently leads her nearest competitor, Kenyan McDuffie, by 11 percentage points among likely Democratic primary voters, with the election scheduled for June 16. Approximately 25% of voters remain undecided.
Lewis George, a member of the D.C. Council representing Ward 4, has been criticized for her stance on youth curfews, which McDuffie has made a focal point of his campaign. Earlier this year, Mayor Muriel Bowser implemented strict juvenile curfews following incidents involving groups of young people. McDuffie has publicly condemned Lewis George for her opposition to curfew proposals. Bowser has also expressed disappointment in the council members who blocked curfew legislation, naming Lewis George among them.
The poll shows that while McDuffie is perceived as stronger on crime, Lewis George receives higher ratings on issues of affordability and education. Among likely Democratic primary voters, Lewis George is the first choice for 36% compared to 25% for McDuffie. Her support is notably strong among younger voters and those who have lived in D.C. for less than 20 years. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points among registered voters.
