Halloween is creeping up on Americans across the country leaving many wondering what will be different about this October 31st. It turns out, the ongoing pandemic has been spooky enough for many American adults across the nation. Considering Halloween is a holiday contingent upon reaching into a communal (read: shared with hundreds) bowl of candy, people are pretty decided on what they are willing to risk – or not risk. 

Among parents, 48% say they will not take their kids out and around the block this year even if their local government permits trick-or-treating. That is 26% more than those who would allow their kids to trick-or-treat.

When it comes to handing out candy, folks are similarly divided. More people responded ‘no,’ they won’t be giving out candy rather than ‘yes,’ they will, but the margin was slightly larger (35% difference). Plus, a solid 20% were still undecided on whether or not to distribute candy.

It also looks like it will be a red – rather than blue – Halloween this year. Parents who are self-reported conservatives are extremely likely to take their kids out trick-or-treating (67%). They are also more likely than moderates and liberals to say they will pass out candy, although at a lower rate than trick-or-treating (54%). 

The political leanings of survey respondents tells us a lot about what to expect at the end of the month. 

To illustrate a clearer picture of this Halloween, CivicScience took a look at geography to see where pockets of trick-or-treaters may be more or less likely.  Rates of passing out candy didn’t vary much region to region, but the Northeast and Midwest showed more plans to take kids trick-or-treating.

Another factor appeared to be income. Wealthier households are more likely to pass out candy and allow their kids to trick-or-treat. Although, lower-income families were more likely to say no to passing out candy than no to taking their kids out.

Whether or not a COVID-19 diagnosis was close to, or in the home, had little bearing on a person’s likelihood to pass out candy this year, although it definitely impacted whether or not someone would allow their kid to trick-or-treat. Yet still, 28% of people who knew someone (in their household or anyone else) will be allowing their kids to go door to door on Halloween.

Ultimately, where your neighborhood fits into the geo-political landscape will largely determine what Halloween night will look like should local governments approve trick-or-treating.