KEY FINDINGS FROM A STATEWIDE SURVEY IN NORTH CAROLINA - KEY FINDINGS FROM A MAY 12-16, 2022, SURVEY OF 500 REGISTERED VOTERS
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KEY FINDINGS FROM
A STATEWIDE SURVEY IN
NORTH CAROLINA
KEY FINDINGS FROM A MAY 12-16, 2022,
SURVEY OF 500 REGISTERED VOTERS
CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 2 METHODOLOGY Meeting Street Insights is pleased to present the key findings from a survey of registered voters in North Carolina. Interviews were completed May 12-16, 2022 among N=500 registered voters. This is the 12th statewide survey Meeting Street has conducted for CPR since 2014.
CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 3 THE STATE’S ISSUE ENVIRONMENT
CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 4
Voter pessimism is running high, both in terms of how they see
the current direction of the country and the state.
“Would you say that things in [the country/North Carolina] are going in the right direction, or
have they gotten off on the wrong track?”
68%
62%
33%
26%
6% 3%
+42 Wrong Track +29 Wrong Track
In The Country In North Carolina
Right Direction Wrong Track No OpinionCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 5
Middle-of-the-road voters are quite negative about the current state of
affairs, while Base Democrats are the only voter group who…
National Mood NC Mood
Right Wrong Right Wrong
Direction Track Direction Track
Base Republicans 11% 87% 20% 79%
Soft Republicans 2% 90% 25% 67%
Unaffiliateds 26% 66% 38% 56%
Soft Democrats 27% 65% 34% 65%
Base Democrats 48% 45% 45% 52%
White Democrats 41% 52% 47% 51%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 6
This is the most negative voters have been about the state’s direction
in over eight years.
“Generally speaking, would you say that things in North Carolina are going in the
right direction, or have they gotten off on the wrong track?”
Wrong Track
62%
57% 57%
54% 54% 52%
50%
47%
42% 43%
39% 40%
37% 35% 34% 33%
Right Direction
April Jan April June Nov June May May
2014 2015 2016 2016 2016 2017 2018 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 7
And, we can’t blame newcomers to the state for this rise in pessimism, either.
NC Mood
67%
49%
44%
29%
+38 Wrong Track +5 Wrong Track
Native North Carolinians/ Lived Here Less Than
Resident 20+ Years 20 YearsCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 8
Voters in North Carolina want the Legislature to focus more of its
attention on economic issues.
“Now, thinking about the session of the State Legislature in Raleigh that concludes this month, with the exception of the
COVID-19 pandemic, which of the following six issues do you think Legislators should focus the most attention on?”
Economic Issues -4
37% Since Nov
Crime and Public Safety Issues 18%
Health Care Issues 16%
Education Issues +4
16%
Since Nov
Environmental Issues 6%
Cultural and Social Issues 4%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 9
Economic issues remain at the top of the list for Republicans,
Unaffiliateds, and Persuadable voters.
Issue Agenda By Key Subgroups (Top Issue Highlighted)
Republicans Unaffiliateds Democrats Persuadable
Voters*
Economic Issues 47% 41% 25% 37%
Crime And Public Safety Issues 28% 17% 9% 16%
Health Care Issues 6% 12% 28% 15%
Education Issues 10% 14% 22% 17%
Environmental Issues 4% 8% 7% 8%
Cultural and Social Issues 3% 4% 6% 2%
*Persuadable voters are undecided, lean, or probably voting for a generic Republican or Democrat candidate for State Legislature.CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 10
The data on personal financial situation is largely in line with six months
ago, though the “gotten better” percentage is at its lowest level yet.
“Over the last year, has your personal financial situation gotten better, gotten worse, or stayed about the same?”
55%
47%
40% 41% 39%
26%
19% 17% 15%
+7 Gotten Worse +23 Gotten Worse +24 Gotten Worse
April 2014 November 2021 May 2022
Gotten Better Gotten Worse Stayed About the SameCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 11
But, where we really see the lack of voter optimism in the economy
is when we ask voters to look ahead.
“Looking ahead one year, do you expect “Looking ahead one year, do you expect your
North Carolina’s economy to get better, get personal financial situation to get better, get
worse, or stay about the same?” worse, or stay about the same?”
43% 44% 44%
38% 38%
36% 35%
33% 32% 32% 33%
29% 29%
26%
24% 23%
15% 16%
+28 Better +1 Better +3 Worse +22 Better +10 Better +3 Worse
April 2014 November 2021 May 2022 April 2014 November 2021 May 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 12
Education, the economy, inflation, and protecting our freedoms
are voters’ most important issues this election.
“Next, we’re going to look at a series of different issues and, after I read each one, please tell me how
important that issue is to you in deciding which candidate to vote for in the election.” Total Important
The quality of education in our public schools % Very Important 82% 97%
North Carolina's economy 80% 98%
Inflation and rising prices 80% 97%
Protecting our freedoms and the American way of life 79% 91%
Gas and energy prices 74% 95%
Crime 73% 93%
Health care and prescription drug costs 71% 96%
Managing North Carolina's budget and state government 67% 94%
Guns and Second Amendment rights 61% 83%
Abortion 60% 81%
Housing costs 58% 85%
Teacher pay 54% 86%
Immigration 54% 84%
Climate change, the environment, and pollution 40% 74%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 13
Four of the top seven issues voters care about are pocketbook concerns.
Economic & Cost Of Living Issues Total Important
The quality of education in our public schools % Very Important 82% 97%
North Carolina's economy 80% 98%
Inflation and rising prices 80% 97%
Protecting our freedoms and the American way of life 79% 91%
Gas and energy prices 74% 95%
Crime 73% 93%
Health care and prescription drug costs 71% 96%
Managing North Carolina's budget and state government 67% 94%
Guns and Second Amendment rights 61% 83%
Abortion 60% 81%
Housing costs 58% 85%
Teacher pay 54% 86%
Immigration 54% 84%
Climate change, the environment, and pollution 40% 74%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 14
By comparison, Democrat voters are much more varied in their issue priorities.
Issue % Very Important (Top Four Shaded)
Persuadable
Republicans Unaffiliateds Democrats
Voters
The quality of education in our public schools 81% 74% 90% 80%
North Carolina's economy 85% 77% 79% 78%
Inflation and rising prices 91% 77% 71% 81%
Protecting our freedoms and the American way of life 92% 72% 73% 73%
Gas and energy prices 81% 71% 70% 66%
Crime 77% 67% 74% 66%
Health care and prescription drug costs 66% 65% 81% 71%
Managing North Carolina's budget and state government 67% 62% 70% 60%
Guns and Second Amendment rights 79% 55% 50% 56%
Abortion 54% 52% 74% 43%
Housing costs 56% 58% 59% 58%
Teacher pay 41% 46% 74% 58%
Immigration 66% 50% 46% 46%
Climate change, the environment, and pollution 17% 36% 64% 36%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 15 WHO VOTERS TRUST THE MOST
CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 16
Voters are more trusting of Republicans in Raleigh to handle most
of these issues than their Democratic counterparts.
“Next, for each of the following issues, please tell me which political party in North Carolina, the Republican Party in North
Carolina or the Democratic Party in North Carolina, you trust more to handle each issue?” (NET GOP)
Guns and Second Amendment rights +24
Managing North Carolina's budget and state government +17
Protecting our freedoms and the American way of life +17
Crime +16 Republican
North Carolina's economy +16 Edge
Gas and energy prices +16
Inflation and rising prices +16
Immigration +7
-2 The quality of education in our public schools The
“Toss-Up”
-2 Housing costs
Issues
-6 Abortion
-9 Health care and prescription drug costs Democratic
-9 Teacher pay Edge
-18 Climate change, the environment, and pollutionCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 17
Republicans have a solid edge with Unaffiliateds on two of the top three issues.
Republican vs Democratic Party Issue Net Edge
Republicans Unaffiliateds Democrats
Guns and Second Amendment rights +90 GOP +39 GOP +49 DEM
Managing NC's budget and state government +92 +24 +58
Protecting our freedoms and the American way of life +91 +28 +62
Crime +86 +24 +54
North Carolina's economy +89 +29 +61
Gas and energy prices +91 +26 +64
Inflation and rising prices +85 +26 +56
Immigration +75 +16 +64
The quality of education in our public schools +78 +5 DEM +73
Housing costs +77 +17 +63
Abortion +68 +6 +73
Health care and prescription drug costs +60 +17 +67
Teacher pay +63 +14 +71
Climate change, the environment, and pollution +52 +24 +77CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 18
Democrats struggle with winning higher educated white women when it
comes to the economy, inflation, and even education.
Republican vs Democratic Party Issue Net Edge
White Men White Men White Women White Women
Non-College College + Non-College College +
Guns and Second Amendment rights +70 GOP +40 GOP +39 GOP +5 GOP
Managing NC's budget and state government +62 +34 +28 +1 DEM
Protecting freedoms and American way of life +57 +31 +39 +8
Crime +59 +26 +37 +2
North Carolina's economy +61 +35 +34 +3
Gas and energy prices +57 +26 +47 +6
Inflation and rising prices +66 +30 +35 +9
Immigration +51 +14 +25 +1
The quality of education in our public schools +29 +1 DEM +24 +7
Housing costs +44 +9 +15 +3
Abortion +24 +1 +18 +19
Health care and prescription drug costs +17 +13 +19 +25
Teacher pay +25 +18 +18 +20
Climate change, the environment, and pollution +5 +23 +16 +31CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 19 THE STATE’S POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT
CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 20
Interest in the upcoming Midterms is as high as Presidential election levels.
“Now, thinking again about the upcoming elections in November, how interested are you in the elections for U.S. Senate, U.S.
Congress, state legislature, and various other state and local offices? Please rate your interest from one to ten, with one
meaning that you have no interest in this election and ten meaning that you are extremely interested.”
8-10 Interest 10 Interest
81% 82%
79%
70%
63%
62% 62% 62%
43% 41%
June 2016 May 2018 May 2020 Nov 2021 May 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 21
President Biden has the worst image rating of any politico tested in this survey.
Summary Of Key Image Ratings
56%
51%
47%
44%
39% 37% 38%
26% 26%
19%
13% 15%
+17 Unfav +7 Unfav +10 Fav +13 Fav +4 Fav +12 Unfav
Joe Donald Roy Mark Robinson Josh Pat
Biden Trump Cooper Stein McCrory
Favorable UnfavorableCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 22
Joe Biden’s favorable rating remains below 40% and his
unfavorables have ticked up to its highest level.
Joe Biden Image Trend
Favorable Unfavorable
56%
53%
48% 50%
46%
42% 46% 45%
39% 39%
+6 Unfav +4 Fav +1 Fav +14 Unfav +17 Unfav
May 2020 October 2020 February 2021 November 2021 May 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 23
Trump’s unfavorables have ticked up a few points since November,
back to where he was (image-wise) for most of 2020.
Donald Trump Image Trend
Favorable Unfavorable
69%
57%
51% 52% 51% 53% 51%
49% 46%
44% 45% 46% 45% 44%
41% 41%
31%
24%
+45 Unfav +26 Unfav +7 Unfav +11 Unfav +4 Unfav +5 Unfav +12 Unfav +1 Unfav +7 Unfav
April June June May May October February November May
2016 2016 2017 2018 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 24
Meanwhile, Roy Cooper’s image has largely remained the same since 2020.
Roy Cooper Image Trend
Favorable Unfavorable
58% 58%
52% 49%
49% 48% 47%
38% 38% 35% 37%
29% 29% 28%
+29 Fav +20 Fav +30 Fav +14 Fav +11 Fav +13 Fav +10 Fav
June 2017 May 2018 May 2020 October 2020 February 2021 November 2021 May 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 25
Pat McCrory’s image rating has clearly taken a hit in the last six months.
Pat McCrory Image Trend
Favorable Unfavorable
46% 45%
41% 42%
37% 38%
42% 35%
39% 40% 38% 30%
35%
29%
25% 26%
+7 Fav +5 Unfav +3 Fav 0 +2 Fav +10 Fav +1 Fav +12 Unfav
April April June June May February November May
2014 2016 2016 2017 2018 2021 2021 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 26
Ted Budd’s image also took a hit in the primary, while Cheri Beasley’s
uncontested primary campaign has helped her increase her favorables.
U.S. Senate Candidate Images
Cheri Beasley Ted Budd
31% 30%
26%
20% 21%
19%
15%
13%
+7 Fav +16 Fav +2 Fav +4 Unfav
November 2021 May 2022 November 2021 May 2022
Favorable UnfavorableCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 27
The U.S. Senate ballot is a toss-up with voters overall. Our margin grows with
voters who say they are extremely interested in the election.
“If the November election for United States Senate were being held today, for whom would you vote…?”
49% 47%
44% 43% 42% 44%
12%
9% 9%
+1 Budd +7 Budd +3 Budd
Overall 10 Interest In Election 8-10 Interest In Election
Ted Budd Cheri Beasley UndecidedCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 28
Budd fares better with Soft Republicans than Beasley does with Soft
Democrats, and leads slightly with Unaffiliated voters to start.
U.S. Senate Ballot By Party
100%
93%
78%
56%
49%
40% 38%
34%
28% 25%
19%
15%
11%
4% 2% 3%
0% 0%
+89 Budd +41 +6 +11 Beasley +100 +59
Base Soft Unaffiliateds Soft Base White
Republicans Republicans Democrats Democrats Democrats
Ted Budd Cheri Beasley UndecidedCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 29
The two white voter groups that Beasley does better with are younger
white women and higher educated white women.
US Senate Ballot By Key Groups
Budd Beasley Undecided Net Budd
African Americans 14% 77% 8% -63
White Men 18–54 58% 29% 13% +29
White Men 55+ 61% 28% 11% +33
White Women 18–54 38% 43% 17% -5
White Women 55+ 54% 34% 12% +20
White Men < College 69% 20% 10% +49
White Men College + 48% 38% 15% +10
White Women < College 51% 30% 17% +21
White Women College + 36% 56% 7% -20CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 30
The Supreme Court ballot tests show a tight race, with a slight
advantage for the Republican candidates.
“If the election for the [first/second] state Supreme Court seat were being held today, for whom would you vote…?”
45% 46%
42%
39%
15%
12%
+6 GOP +4 GOP
Dietz - Inman Race Allen - Ervin Race
Republican Democrat UndecidedCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 31
The state legislative generic ballot continues to be in uncharted territory.
Generic State Legislature Ballot
Republican Candidate Democrat Candidate
48% 47% 47%
46% 46% 46%
44% 43%
42% 42%
40%
43% 43% 42%
41% 41% 40% 40% 41% 40% 41%
38%
+1 +6 +3 +6
DEM DEM DEM GOP
April Jan April June June May May Oct Feb Nov May
2014 2015 2016 2016 2017 2018 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 32
Republicans have seen sizeable gains on the state legislative ballot with
Unaffiliateds, younger white women, and white college+ voters.
% Voting Republican On Generic Ballot
Net GOP
May 2018 May 2020 May 2022 Since May ‘18
Republicans 90% 89% 91% +1
Unaffiliateds 33% 40% 44% +11
Democrats 7% 8% 11% +4
African Americans 10% 5% 11% +1
White Men 18–54 57% 53% 63% +6
White Men 55+ 57% 63% 62% +5
White Women 18–54 39% 41% 47% +8
White Women 55+ 49% 60% 56% +7
White Men < College 68% 71% 73% +5
White Men College + 37% 36% 50% +13
White Women < College 56% 60% 57% +1
White Women College + 27% 35% 40% +13CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 33
Even though we’re still two years out, we had to ask…
“Now, even though it’s not for another two years, if the 2024 election for Governor were being held
today, for whom would you vote if the candidates were…?”
Robinson Stein Undecided
Republicans 86% 5% 7%
48%
42% Unaffiliateds 48% 35% 13%
Democrats 13% 82% 4%
African Americans 16% 78% 4%
White Men 18–54 67% 27% 6%
White Men 55+ 56% 30% 6%
10% White Women 18–54 46% 40% 10%
White Women 55+ 56% 32% 11%
White Men < College 71% 20% 6%
+6 Robinson
White Men College + 52% 39% 7%
2024 Governor's Race White Women < College 56% 29% 12%
Mark Robinson Josh Stein Undecided White Women College + 40% 51% 8%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 34 VOTER REACTIONS TO LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS
CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 35
There is broad voter support for these four legislative proposals.
“Next, I’m going to read you some different proposals the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh might
consider. For each one, please tell me if you support or oppose the General Assembly taking action on that item.”
Net Support
Reducing the state income tax 74% 22% +52
Passing a Parents' Bill of Rights that would allow
parents to review the curriculum their children are
taught in public schools and require public school 74% 24% +50
employees to disclose any information about their
children's mental or physical health to parents
Passing a law to require people to show a photo ID
when they vote 65% 33% +32
Expanding the Opportunity Scholarship program to
make all families of school-age children eligible for a
grant of six thousand dollars per child to send their 59% 39% +20
children to a private school if their local public school
fails to meet their children's academic needs
Support Not Sure OpposeCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 36
The Opportunity Scholarship Program has been supported by a strong
majority of voters for as long as we have been testing it.
Trend Data for the Opportunity Scholarship Program
Support Oppose
67% 66% Support
62% 59%
58%
52% 54%
43%
36% 39% 39%
30% 31% Oppose
26%
*This didn’t have the “families making under $85k” component
January April June May February November May
2015 2016 2017 2018 2021 2021 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 37
After an increase in support back in November, voter ID has settled back to
where it has historically been (with two-thirds backing it).
Trend Data for the Voter ID Law
Support Oppose
79%
Support
65% 64% 66% 63% 65%
34% 34% 36% 33%
32%
Oppose
16%
* Democrats returned back to where they have been on this issue
May June May February November May
2016 2017 2018 2021 2021 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 38
While NC voters strongly back legalizing medical marijuana,
they also support legalizing the recreational use of it, too.
“Next, I’m going to read you some different proposals the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh might
consider. For each one, please tell me if you support or oppose the General Assembly taking action on that item.”
Net Support
Legalizing medical marijuana 82% 16% +66
Legalizing recreational +22
marijuana for adults 60% 38%
Support Not Sure OpposeCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 39
Republicans are more divided on legalizing recreational marijuana usage.
Guess which demographic group is most supportive of both proposals?
Legalizing Medical Legalizing Recreational
Marijuana Marijuana
Support Oppose Support Oppose
Republicans 75% 25% 45% 53%
Unaffiliateds 87% 12% 67% 31%
Democrats 86% 13% 68% 30%
African Americans 81% 19% 62% 34%
White Men 18–54 90% 10% 76% 24%
White Men 55+ 76% 24% 53% 44%
White Women 18–54 85% 13% 59% 41%
White Women 55+ 82% 16% 46% 52%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 40
A majority of voters support legalizing casino gaming in the state,
while opinions on sports betting are more divided.
“Next, I’m going to read you some different proposals the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh might
consider. For each one, please tell me if you support or oppose the General Assembly taking action on that item.”
Net Support
Legalizing casino gaming in North Carolina 54% 42% +12
Legalizing sports betting in North Carolina 45% 48% -3
Authorizing the North Carolina Education
Lottery to offer electronic lottery games 39% 54% -15
through video lottery terminals
Shutting down the North Carolina -36
Education Lottery 29% 65%
Support Not Sure OpposeCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 41 VOTERS’ VIEWS ON MEDICAID EXPANSION
CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 42
Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a sustained level of voter support for
Medicaid expansion in North Carolina.
“As you may know, Medicaid is a taxpayer-funded program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income people.
Do you support or oppose expanding the state’s Medicaid program to cover more people in North Carolina?”
Support Oppose Support
69% 68% 68%
51% 52% 54%
48%
46%
42% 40% 38%
28%
23% 23% Oppose
April January April May May November May
2014 2015 2016 2018 2020 2021 2022CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 43
Medicaid expansion receives broad support, with even the least supportive
groups (Republicans and older white men) leaning to back it.
Medicaid Expansion By Key Groups
Support Oppose
Republicans 50% 48%
Unaffiliateds 66% 31%
Democrats 86% 7%
African Americans 87% 10%
White Men 18–54 68% 30%
White Men 55+ 52% 46%
White Women 18–54 67% 29%
White Women 55+ 62% 33%
White Men < College 59% 39%
White Men College + 63% 34%
White Women < College 61% 34%
White Women College + 72% 24%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 44
When given some information about an employment requirement,
voter support for expanding Medicaid soars to 90%.
“Would you support or 90% +22
oppose expanding the state’s Support
Medicaid program if new
68% recipients who were able to
work were required to find
employment in order to
receive benefits?”
28%
4%
7%
2%
+40 Support +83 Support
Initial Medicaid Expansion After Information
Support Oppose Not SureCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 45 VOTERS’ VIEWS ON ABORTION
CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 46
When it comes to voter positions on abortion, the state
is pretty equally divided along the spectrum.
“Which ONE of the following statements most closely describes your position on the issue of abortion?”
43% 48%
Pro-Life Pro-Choice
21% 22% 25% 23%
Hard Pro-Life Pro-Life Pro-Choice Hard Pro-Choice
With Exceptions Within Timeframe
Abortions should be Abortions should be Abortions should be Abortions should be
illegal, except only to illegal, except in cases legal only until 20th legal in all
protect life of mother of rape, incest or to week of pregnancy circumstances
protect life of mother
11% believe abortions
should be illegal at all timesCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 47
The shifts in abortion views over the last eight years has been dramatic.
“Which ONE of the following statements most closely describes your position on the issue of abortion?”
April 2014 May 2017 May 2022
Hard Pro-Life 28% 28% 21%
Pro-Life w/
34% 29% 22%
Exceptions
Pro-Choice w/
16% 18% 25%
Timeframe
Hard Pro-Choice 15% 19% 23%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 48
A little over half the state’s voters oppose the Supreme Court’s decision to
overturn Roe versus Wade, with almost half strongly opposing it.
“As you may know, recent news
reports indicate that the
Supreme Court is likely to
overturn the 1973 case Roe
versus Wade, which legalized
abortion in the United States, Support 42% 56% Oppose
and the Supreme Court may
instead allow states to set their
own policies regarding abortion.
Do you support or oppose the 32%
Strongly 48%
Supreme Court’s decision to
overturn Roe versus Wade?” Support Strongly
Oppose
Not Sure
2%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 49
Support for overturning Roe versus Wade is driven by Republicans,
but note a quarter of Base Republicans oppose it.
% Support/Oppose Overturning Roe Versus Wade
Support Oppose
Base Republicans 70% 27%
Soft Republicans 67% 33%
Unaffiliateds 43% 55%
Soft Democrats 34% 61%
Base Democrats 7% 91%
White Democrats 19% 78%
Among Undecided Voters 25% 71%
Swing Voters Persuadables 42% 55%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 50
The Pro-Choice side is a little more unified in their opposition than the
Pro-Life side is in their support, with race playing a big role in the data.
% Support/Oppose Overturning Roe Versus Wade
Support Oppose
Hard Pro-Life 70% 30%
Pro-Life with Exceptions 68% 29%
Pro-Choice with Timeframe 25% 71%
Hard Pro-Choice 10% 88%
Among White Pro-Life Combined 77% 23%
Just
Pro-Lifers Black Pro-Life Combined 31% 62%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 51
Most voters in the state oppose legislative proposals on either
spectrum of the abortion issue.
“And, if there were a proposal in North Carolina to make abortion completely [legal/illegal] at any
time and for any reason during a pregnancy, would you support or oppose it?”
70%
55%
43%
28%
1% 2%
+12 Oppose +42 Oppose
Completely Legal At Any Time Completely Illegal At Any Time
Support Oppose Not SureCPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 52
Unaffiliated and undecided voters aren’t really comfortable with either plan.
Make Abortion Legal Make Abortion Illegal
At Any Time At Any Time
Support Oppose Support Oppose
Base Republicans 22% 74% 44% 52%
Soft Republicans 22% 75% 37% 63%
Unaffiliateds 44% 55% 22% 77%
Soft Democrats 62% 36% 33% 61%
Base Democrats 63% 37% 15% 85%
White Democrats 68% 31% 20% 76%
Among Undecideds 41% 55% 17% 81%
Swing
Voters Persuadables 46% 51% 26% 72%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 53
There are differences between White and Black voters on the issue of
making abortion legal, less so when it’s about making abortion illegal.
Make Abortion Legal Make Abortion Illegal
At Any Time At Any Time
Support Oppose Support Oppose
African Americans 53% 47% 23% 77%
White Men 18–54 41% 56% 29% 69%
White Men 55+ 33% 67% 29% 70%
White Women 18–54 50% 49% 29% 70%
White Women 55+ 35% 62% 31% 63%CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 54 THE BOTTOM LINE
CPR NC STATEWIDE SURVEY – MAY 2022 | 55
HE BOTTOM LINE
This is a very pessimistic electorate, which, historically, doesn’t bode well for the
1 party in power. And, the data in this survey confirms that Democrats at the state
and federal level are running into some serious headwinds.
Cost of living concerns continue to dominate the issue agenda and NC voters are
2
losing faith that their own financial situation will improve in the next year or so.
There is broad voter support for reducing the state’s income tax rate, passing a
3 parents’ bill of rights, voter ID law, Opportunity Scholarships expansion, and
legalizing marijuana (medically and recreationally).
4 Medicaid expansion continues to enjoy broad voter support.
Abortion views are more complicated and there is dramatic data that shows voter
5
opinions on this issue has changed a lot in the last decade.Pollster of the Year © 2021 Meeting Street Research, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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