All major subgroups are opposed to lowering the drinking age. Political ideology is one of the major dividing lines on the issue, with liberals (34%) among the most supportive of lowering the drinking age and conservatives (18%) among the least supportive subgroups. There are only minor differences by political party.

Another major predictor of support for lowering the drinking age is whether one personally drinks alcohol. Twenty-nine percent of those who drink alcohol at least on occasion favor lowering the drinking age compared with 18% who never drink. Support is even higher among those who drink regularly — on a weekly basis — at 35%.

Also, support for lowering the drinking age tends to be higher among those who have higher levels of education, with 37% of those with a postgraduate degree supporting such a change in the law.