16 Jul 2026 New BPC Action – American Policy Ventures Poll: Paid Leave Isn’t Partisan, It’s Personal in Paid Parental Leave
A new poll from BPC Action and American Policy Ventures, conducted by Cygnal, confirms what workers and families already know: The lack of caregiving supports is not a partisan issue—it’s a difficult choice between a paycheck and family. A majority (55%) of voters have personally experienced or know someone who has had to choose between earning an income and caring for a new child or loved one.
The poll surveyed 1,500 voters to take the temperature on paid family leave, a policy issue with long-standing bipartisan support. The verdict is clear: The need for paid leave is growing, and voters are ready for policymakers to act.
Topline takeaways:
- Caregiving challenges don’t discriminate by gender or political affiliation: Among the 55% of voters who personally experienced or knew someone who had to balance care and work, there was near-equal representation across most demographic indicators.
- 87% of voters—including 90% of Democrats, 85% of Republicans, and 84% of Independents—strongly support a voluntary program that helps employers offer paid family and medical leave benefits to workers.
- 79% of voters—85% of Democrats, 79% of Independents, and 73% of Republicans—support actions to help small businesses offer paid family leave benefits to help them remain competitive and attract workers.
As previous BPC polling has shown, families need policies that help them balance work and caregiving. This data is the latest example that policymakers must work together to expand access to paid leave.
Explore the poll toplines and crosstabs for more information.
