Poll Shows Wide Gap Between Republicans and Democrats on July 4 Traditions

A new survey found major differences in how Republicans and Democrats plan to celebrate Independence Day, from displaying the American flag to attending fireworks and parades.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found a sharp partisan divide in how Americans plan to celebrate Independence Day, including whether they intend to display the American flag outside their homes.

The survey, conducted June 12–15 among 1,537 U.S. adults, asked respondents how they planned to observe July 4 as the United States prepares to mark its 250th birthday, according to Fox News.

The poll found that 64% of Republicans said they planned to display an American flag or flag bunting outside their homes on July 4, compared with 27% of Democrats.

The survey also found differences in how Americans view the meaning of the holiday. Among Republicans, 65% said July 4 is “a day where I celebrate the United States of America,” while 24% of Democrats said the same.

Democrats and independents were more likely than Republicans to describe July 4 as “just like any other day.” Both groups registered 11 percentage points higher than Republicans on that response, according to the poll.

Celebration plans also differed by party.

Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say they would take part in traditional patriotic activities, including wearing red, white and blue, attending fireworks displays and going to parades or festivals.

The poll found that 52% of Republicans said they planned to wear red, white and blue, compared with 20% of Democrats. Forty-six percent of Republicans said they planned to attend a fireworks show, compared with 28% of Democrats. Twenty percent of Republicans said they planned to attend a parade or festival, compared with 9% of Democrats.

Nearly one-quarter of Democrats and independents, 24%, said they do not plan to celebrate Independence Day at all. Among Republicans, 8% said they do not plan to celebrate.

The Reuters/Ipsos survey also asked respondents about their views of the United States. The poll found that 11% of Democrats said they believe the United States is the greatest country in the world, compared with 62% of Republicans.

The findings come amid other recent surveys showing differences in how Americans describe patriotism, national pride and civic identity.

The July 4 holiday this year will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding.