In Surprising Poll, Maricopans Favor ‘Gulf of Mexico’ Over ‘Gulf of America’

In a recent poll conducted by InMaricopa, the community weighed in on a controversial issue: the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. This intriguing topic sparked diverse opinions among residents in Maricopa, leading to nearly 1,000 responses by the poll’s conclusion on Friday.

The central question posed was straightforward: How do you refer to the body of water east of Mexico and south of the United States?

A significant majority, approximately 59.6% of respondents, expressed a preference for retaining the name Gulf of Mexico. Their reasons were as varied as the respondents themselves. Alycia Ancelma Atriano, a resident of Meadows, noted that “every other nation in the world will call it the Gulf of Mexico,” pointing to a desire for consistency in international naming conventions.

Conversely, some residents supported the proposed name change. Roxanne Hoffer from Cobblestone Farms contended that “the name better describes the gulf,” emphasizing the geographic connection between the gulf and the Americas. While her view underscores the importance of descriptive geography, it also raises questions about the significance of such changes in the larger context of national conversation.

Moreover, local sentiment was further voiced by Glenn Schleifer, a Senita resident, who called for addressing pressing concerns rather than “spending taxpayer money on frivolous things.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among citizens about government priorities.

Notably, major mapping services such as Google and Apple Maps have already adopted the new nomenclature, reflecting a shift in perspective. However, MapQuest remains steadfast in its support for the traditional name, demonstrating the varied responses to this evolving discussion.