The Americans most closely following the debt ceiling fight oppose raising the limit, the Gallup Poll reported Wednesday.
Among those who say they are most attentive to the issue, 53 percent want their member of Congress to vote against a rise, with 37 percent in favor.
In the category of people following the dispute "somewhat closely," the same opinion prevails by a 48-28 percent margin. Most of those paying less attention have no opinion.
Most respondents say they fear rising deficits more than a threatened national default.
President Barack Obama has warned that Social Security checks could stop going out Aug. 3, but senior citizens heavily oppose raising the debt limit.
Of all respondents, 22 percent say they are following the issue very closely, 36 somewhat closely, 24 not too closely and 18 not at all.
The telephone survey of 1,016 adults was taken Thursday through Sunday with a margin of error of 4 percentage points.
Source: UPI