A new McLaughlin Associates poll shows nearly 64 percent of Americans support locking the Supreme Court at nine justices, while only about 18 percent are opposed — a margin of more than 3-to-1 against expanding the bench.
The poll asked respondents whether they would support or oppose a constitutional amendment called “Keep Nine,” which states: “The Supreme Court of the United States shall be composed of nine justices.”
Support cuts across party lines. Even among Democrats, 46 percent back keeping the court at nine justices. Independents support it at 54 percent.
The polling comes after House Republicans brought the Keep Nine Amendment to a vote on Sept. 2. Nearly every Republican in the chamber voted for it, joined by one Democrat, Rep. Don Davis of North Carolina. The final tally was 212-206, with 15 members not voting. Because constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority, the measure failed.
Democrats Push the Other Way
Despite the public’s clear preference, prominent Democrats continue to call for adding seats to the Supreme Court if their party regains power.
“Thirteen is a pretty good number,” Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., said on NBC’s Meet the Press in August. “A baker’s dozen would be a good number to have on the court.”
Clyburn isn’t alone. Former Vice President Kamala Harris has advocated expanding the court to 13 justices and has called for broader Supreme Court reform. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said in June that Democrats would “absolutely” try to expand the court following the Supreme Court’s ruling on Temporary Protected Status. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., said last month he would support “legislation that adds additional justices.”
The gap between where voters stand and where these Democrats want to take the court is stark: a supermajority of the public wants nine justices locked in, while a chorus of Democratic lawmakers is actively campaigning to add more.
