North Carolinians participated in the most recent Civitas poll to gain a consensus on their opinions about the legalization of marijuana, sanctuary cities and the current state of the economy. 

The poll had 600 registered North Carolina voters participate. 

Legalization of marijuana 

Fifty-three percent of North Carolinians were opposed to the legalization, most of whom were “strongly opposed.” Forty-three percent were in favor of the legalization, slightly more than half of whom were “strongly in favor.”

Sanctuary Cities

According to the poll, “Sanctuary City” laws allow local governments to ignore federal law when it comes to immigration status. For example, under Sanctuary City laws, law enforcement is not required to share immigrant information with federal authorities.

A new law has been passed in North Carolina, prohibiting such cities to exist. Fifty-four percent of North Carolinians said they were in favor of this law, the majority of which were “strongly in favor.” Thirty-four percent were opposed to the law, slightly over half of which were “strongly opposed.” Twelve percent said they did not know.

Economy

The third polling topic asked participants how long they thought the current economic recession will last. Forty-one percent think it will last over two years, twenty-five percent think it will last one to two years, eight percent think it will last six months to a year, three percent think it will last under six months and fourteen percent think it has already ended.

The Civitas Institute, “North Carolina’s Conservative Voice,” has been polling North Carolina public opinion since 2005. Six polls took place in 2015.

The institute said it prides itself on being the only “regular live-calling” poll in North Carolina. According to its website, “Elected officials, media and voters rely on Civitas polling to delve into the issues our state is currently facing and share what citizens are really thinking about the issues.”

The Civitas Institute does not only focus on polling public opinion. It says it is dedicated to releasing publications on any number of political issues, ranging from taxes to education to healthcare.

The institute also hosts events, such as the Conservative Leadership Conference from March 4–5 at the Marriot Hotel at Crabtree Valley Mall.

For more information on the poll results not mentioned in the article, or anything else the Civitas Institute has to offer, visit www.nccivitas.org

• 53% of polled opposed the legalization of marijuana. 43 percent are in favor
• 54% of polled are in favor of sanctuary cities. 34 percent are opposed and 12 percent do not know.