Civitas poll shows support for Connect NC Bonds

Published January 27, 2016

by Demi Dowdy, Civitas Institute, January 26, 2016.

The newest Civitas Poll shows that a majority of likely Democratic voters and a plurality of likely Republican voters support the $2 billion infrastructure referendum on the March 15 ballot.

The bond proposal gained that level of support despite the fact that, in both parties, a majority of voters say passage of the bond will increase their taxes.

This special polling consists of two distinct surveys: one of 500 likely Republican voters, and a separate survey of 500 likely Democrat voters. They were asked who they would support in the primary elections for their party on March 15. Some of these races include elections for president, U.S. senator, governor, and other statewide offices. Both groups were also asked about other important issues and views.

The survey of 500 likely Democratic voters took place on Jan. 13, 14 and 16, and had a margin of error of plus/minus 4 points. Thirty percent of the sample was contacted via cellphone.

The survey of 500 likely Republican voters took place on Jan. 13, 14 and 16, and had a margin of error of plus/minus 4 points. Thirty percent of the sample were contacted via cellphone.

The actual text of the questions is below.

The following three questions were asked of likely Democratic primary voters:

Please tell me if you would vote FOR or AGAINST the “Connect NC Public Improvement Bond,” which will be on the ballot this March and reads: “The issuance of two billion dollars for State of North Carolina Public Improvement Bonds, constituting general obligation bonds of the State secured by a pledge of the faith and credit and taxing power of the State for the purpose of providing funds, with any other available funds, to fund capital improvements

and new facilities for the State, including, without limitation, the construction and furnishing of new facilities and the renovation and rehabilitation of existing facilities for, without limitation, the University of North Carolina System, the North Carolina Community College System, water and sewer systems, the State’s National Guard, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, attractions and parks, and the Department of Public Safety.”

66% For

14% Against

19% Don’t Know/ Need more Information

1% Refused

And regardless of how you plan on voting for the two billion dollar bond referendum, if it passes, in your opinion, do you think that taxes will go up to pay for the bonds? (ROTATE)

67% Yes, taxes will increase

12% No, money will come from other sources

21% Don’t Know/ Need more Information

1% Refused

In your opinion, and in your own words, what would you say the word “infrastructure” means, when it comes to state government spending? (open-ended)

50% Transportation/ Roads/ Highways/ Roads and bridges

12% Buildings/ Maintaining buildings/ State buildings

8% Construction/ Building (Non-specific)

6% Wasted money/ Overspending/ Too much/ Taking money from tax payers/ Money not going where promised

5% Public services/ State services/ Public works/ Utilities (Non-specific)

5% Schools/ Education

5% Water/ Water services

5% Policies put in place/ How it’s put together/ Built (General)

4% Sewer/ Sewage service

4% Improvement/ Improvement of conditions (Non-specific)

3% Money being spent/ How money is spent (Non-specific)

1% Parks/ Park systems

1% Money for government employees/ Politicians/ Will spend however they want

1% Public Safety departments/ Police/ Fire Department

3% Other

6% None/ Nothing

12% Don’t know

1% Refused

The following three questions were asked of likely Republican primary voters:

Please tell me if you would vote FOR or AGAINST the “Connect NC Public Improvement Bond” , which will be on the ballot this March and reads: “The issuance of two billion dollars for State of North Carolina Public Improvement Bonds, constituting general obligation bonds of the State secured by a pledge of the faith and credit and taxing power of the State for the purpose of providing funds, with any other available funds, to fund capital improvements and new facilities for the State, including, without limitation, the construction and furnishing of new facilities and the renovation and rehabilitation of existing facilities for, without limitation, the University of North Carolina System, the North Carolina Community College System, water and sewer systems, the State’s National Guard, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, attractions and parks, and the Department of Public Safety.”

42% For

35% Against

23% Don’t Know/ Need more Information

— Refused

And regardless of how you plan on voting for the two billion dollar bond referendum, if it passes, in your opinion, do you think that taxes will go up to pay for the bonds?

76% Yes, taxes will increase

14% No, money will come from other sources

10% Don’t Know/ Need more Information

— Refused

In your opinion, and in your own words, what would you say the word “infrastructure” means, when it comes to state government spending (open-ended)

58% Transportation/ Roads/ Highways/ Roads and bridges

11% Buildings/ Maintaining buildings/ State buildings/ Physical/ Tangible structure/ Building

6% Public services/ State services/ Public works/ Utilities (Non-specific)

6% Wasted money/ Overspending/ Too much/ Taking money from tax payers/ Money not going where promised

5% Water/ Water services

4% Schools/ Education

4% Sewer/ Sewage service

4% Policies put in place/ How it’s put together/ Built (General)

3% Money being spent/ How money is spent (Non-specific)

2% Money for government employees/ Politicians/ Will spend however they want

2% Construction/ Building (Non-specific)

2% Improvement/ Improvement of conditions (Non-specific)

1% Public Safety departments/ Police/ Fire department

1% Parks/ Park systems

2% Other

3% None/ Nothing

16% Don’t know

1% Refused

Crosstabs are available here.

Civitas conducts the only regular live-caller voting in North Carolina, and we are the only organization offering independent, nonpartisan data on current opinion. In the decade we’ve been conducting them, our polls have provided vital insights on what North Carolina voters truly think of the leaders and issues facing the state and nation.

https://www.nccivitas.org/2016/16772/