Opinion
Voters seek cooperation after dividing government between Democrats, Republicans
North Carolina voters split key offices between Democrats and Republicans. They expect the two parties to work together on important issues.
Opinion
Quality of life vs. government control: What NC voters really chose in 2024
While voters do care deeply about their families' well-being and their communities, they also value freedom from excessive state control. If 2020 through 2024 showed us anything, it showed us that voters are acutely aware of government creep into their businesses, schools, and lives. November’s election was a rejection of messages and policies that advocate for that creep.
Opinion
North Carolinians make a familiar choice
In an otherwise solid year for Republicans, the nomination of Mark Robinson and several other weak candidates cost the party dearly.
October 2024 – Trump and Harris in Dead Heat in North Carolina Battleground
RALEIGH – The race for president remains at a statistical tie in North Carolina, a key battleground state on the road to the White House. Former President Donald Trump (47.2%) is .6 points ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris (46.6%). The number of undecided voters has declined to 4.1%. Only 2% of voters say they...
Opinion
Hurricane Helene forces a new balance between voting access and security
Just as important is what the SBE did not change. They did not authorize the use of drop boxes for mail ballots. And the due date for mail ballots is still Election Day.
September 2024 – Harris, Trump Race Tighter Than Ever in North Carolina
RALEIGH – The presidential race is tighter than ever in North Carolina. In the first Carolina Journal Poll following the presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris (entering the field just hours after the second assassination attempt), Trump’s lead has shrunk to 0.3 points – well within the poll’s ±3.99%...
Opinion
Debates will inform state voters
One of the most cost-effective political expenditures of the 2024 cycle will be a series of four televised debates featuring candidates for statewide posts.
August 2024 – With Harris as Presidential Nominee, Race Tightens in North Carolina
RALEIGH – The presidential race in North Carolina is tighter than ever, according to the latest poll of likely voters from The Carolina Journal. Former President Donald Trump is leading Vice President Kamala Harris by 3.1 points. This lead is within the margin of error of ±3.99%. Support for Trump is up 4.6 points from...
Opinion
Don’t overlook down-ballot races
Most Americans haven’t fully digested the historic events of the past two months. Perhaps more such twists in the presidential race are coming.
Opinion
Winners still flirt with swing voters
Carolina Journal’s first post-primary survey is out. It shows our state’s 2024 general elections will be, as usual, quite competitive. That’s not to say North Carolina’s electorate is perfectly purple. It’s not. All other things being equal, Republicans enjoy a modest edge statewide of a few percentage points. As John Locke Foundation analyst Andy Jackson...
March 2024 – NC Voters Favor Trump, Robinson in General Election
RALEIGH – Once again, voters will find themselves choosing between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to take the White House in November. While the winners of this month’s primaries include many familiar faces, they also included some surprising upsets by political newcomers. This month’s Carolina Journal poll went in the field promptly...
Opinion
Six Republicans want to be auditor
The former state auditor of North Carolina, Beth Wood, never lost an election. She clinched the Democratic primary for the elected office in 2008, defeated a Republican incumbent that fall, and then won reelection in 2012, 2016, and 2020. Wood never lost an election — but she did lose her job, thanks to a series...
