ENERGY & VOTERS Poll Briefing Luncheon
Survey of North Carolina Voters Prepared for Conservatives for Clean Energy May 3, 2016
Table of Contents Methodology NC Voter History Data Voter Intensity and Ideological Overview Issue Overview Ballot Test Demographic Overview 2
Methodology This poll of 800 registered voters living in North Carolina was conducted via telephone by professional interviewers over the course of two nights, April 18-19, 2016. Interview selection was random within predetermined election units. These units were structured to correlate with actual voter participation from past Presidential Election election cycles. The poll of 800 likely general election voters has an accuracy of +/- 3.46% at a 95% confidence interval. Paul Shumaker served as project manager for the survey. 3
North Carolina Voter Registration Trend Data Chart shows voter registration trend of North Carolina voters since 2004. Data source, North Carolina State Board of Elections Percentages show market shares. NC Voter Registration Trends 50.00% 45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% 47.52% 34.53% 45.93% 34.70% 45.79% 44.73% 43.28% 41.92% 41.21% 40.51% 31.98% 31.63% 30.97% 30.49% 30.59% 30.63% 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 17.96% 19.37% 22.23% 23.64% 25.75% 27.59% 28.19% 28.86% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% May 2004 May 2006 November 2008 November 2010 November 2012 November 2014 November 2015 April 2016 Democrats Republicans Unaffiliated 4
Partisan Ideological Trends 1998-2016 Chart tracks the self-described ideology of North Carolina voters from 1998 2016. Source, North Carolina polling data from Capitol Communications, conducted by Diversified Research, Inc. 100.00% Partisan Ideological Trends 80.00% 75.6% 79.1% 70.4% 74.8% 60.00% 62.9% 59.2% 40.00% 20.00% 0.00% 33.7% 29.5% 16.2% 15.2% 24.8% 22.7% 24.0% 23.1% 16.4% 14.4% 16.4% 14.5% 11.4% 2 October 1998 October 2000 October 2012 October 2014 August 2015 April 2016-20.00% -18.7% -12.2% -24.0% -19.2% -40.00% North Carolina Democrats Republicans Unaffilated 5
Voting Intensity WHEN THERE IS A NOVEMBER ELECTION IN NORTH CAROLINA, DO YOU ALWAYS VOTE, ALMOST ALWAYS VOTE, VOTE MOST OF THE TIME, VOTE SOME OF THE TIME, HARDLY EVER VOTE, OR NEVER VOTE? N = Always Almost Always Most of the Time Question Sample 800 85.5% 7.0% 7.0% RDU - DMA 251 87.6% 6.8% 5.6% CLT - DMA 214 84.1% 7.9% 7.9% GSO - DMA 144 83.3% 7.6% 9.0% Wilmington - DMA 40 82.5% 7.5% 1 Greenville/NB - DMA 85 85.9% 4.7% 9.4% Asheville - DMA 66 87.9% 6.1% 6.1% Republican 286 85.7% 8.0% 6.3% Democrat 338 86.7% 4.1% 9.2% Unaffiliated 165 82.4% 11.5% 6.1% Always "D" Voter 144 85.4% 4.2% 10.4% Always "R" Voter 118 86.4% 3.4% 10.2% Splits-Ticket 153 79.7% 13.7% 6.5% White 575 86.8% 7.3% 5.9% Non-White 191 84.3% 3.7% 12.0% Male 376 83.5% 8.8% 7.7% Female 424 87.3% 5.4% 7.3% 6
Ideological Profile of Key Voting Subsets IF YOU HAD TO LABEL YOURSELF, WOULD YOU SAY YOU ARE A LIBERAL, A MODERATE, OR A CONSERVATIVE IN YOUR POLITICAL BELIEFS? N = Liberal Moderate Conservative Ideological Center Ideological Range April 2016 800 20.8% 30.3% 43.9% 23.1% RDU - DMA 251 25.1% 31.1% 37.8% 12.7% -10.4% CLT - DMA 214 17.8% 29.9% 47.2% 29.4% 6.3% GSO - DMA 144 22.2% 24.3% 49.3% 27.1% 4.0% Wilmington - DMA 40 25.0% 3 4 15.0% -8.1% Greenville/NB - DMA 85 16.5% 28.2% 48.2% 31.7% 8.6% Asheville - DMA 66 13.6% 43.9% 40.9% 27.3% 4.2% Urban 163 24.5% 30.7% 38.7% 14.2% -8.9% Suburban 329 19.5% 33.7% 42.2% 22.7% -0.4% Rural 289 20.8% 25.6% 48.8% 28.0% 4.9% Republican 286 2.1% 18.9% 76.9% 74.8% 51.7% Democrat 338 40.2% 32.8% 21.0% -19.2% -42.3% Unaffiliated 165 13.9% 44.2% 33.9% 2-3.1% Always "D" Voter 144 42.4% 23.6% 25.0% -17.4% -40.5% Always "R" Voter 118 4.2% 5.9% 84.7% 80.5% 57.4% Splits-Ticket 153 13.7% 52.9% 29.4% 15.7% -7.4% Entire Life 383 15.4% 3 50.1% 34.7% 11.6% 20+years 212 20.8% 30.7% 39.2% 18.4% -4.7% 11-20 - years 111 31.5% 26.1% 39.6% 8.1% -15.0% 6-10 years 55 29.1% 43.6% 27.3% -1.8% -24.9% Male 376 18.9% 31.6% 45.5% 26.6% 3.5% Female 424 22.4% 29.0% 42.5% 20.1% -3.0% 7
A Look Beyond the Ideological Labels Probe: If Liberal, then ask would you say you are very liberal or somewhat liberal; if conservative, then ask would you say you are very conservative or somewhat conservative? Unaffiliated Democrat Republican Rural Suburban Urban 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Vey Liberal Somewhat Liberal Moderate Somewhat Conservative Very Conservative 8
What Are Voters Angry About? There has been a lot of media attention about voters being angry this election year. In your opinion, what makes you most angry about our elected government leaders in Raleigh and Washington? (Open-ended) 18.0% 16.0% 16.1% 14.0% 12.0% 1 11.4% 11.0% 10.4% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 7.4% 4.0% 2.6% 2.5% 2.5% 2.3% 2.1% 9
What Voters Had to Say HOW THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND ANYMORE/ PARTIES HAVE GONE SO FAR ON EACH SIDE THAT THEY WONT EVEN DISCUSS IMPORTANT SITUATIONS IND M MOD 26-40 THAT BOTH PARTIES CAN'T AGREE ON ANYTHING GOP F VERY CONS 65+ THE LANGUAGE AND THE ATTITUDE IS AWFUL NEVER HEARD IT BEFORE GOP M MOD 65+ THE FACT THAT THEY FIGHT AMONGST THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF WORKING TOGETHER. DEM F MOD 55-64 THE GOVERNMENT WORKING TOGETHER DEM M MOD 55-64 THEY ACT LIKE CHILDREN DEM F VERY LIB 55-64 THE GOVERNMENT LEADERS NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO GET THINGS DONE DEM F VERY CONS 26-40 THEY CAN'T FIND COMMON SOLUTIONS GOP M VERY CONS 65+ I GUESS THE WAY THEY TEAR INTO EACH OTHER./IT'S JUST LIKE THEY'RE FUSSING AND ARGUING AND SAYING EVERYTHING BAD THEY CAN. GOP F VERY CONS 65+ THEY ARE NOT WORKING TOGETHER IND F MOD 55-64 A LOT OF DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS GOP M VERY CONS 55-64 THEY CAN'T WORK TOGETHER TO COME UP WITH IDEAS THAT WORK FOR MOST PEOPLE. GOP F MOD 55-64 THEY'RE ALL CONFUSED AND FIGHT TOO MUCH. DEM M SMWT LIB 65+ STATE AND GOVERNMENT LEVELS NOT GETTING ALONG GOP M VERY CONS 55-64 ALOT OF BIKERING / NOT GETTING ENOUGH DONE IND M MOD 55-64 I THINK THEY ARE ALL CRAZY, THEY ARE ALWAYS FIGHTING IND F DK 55-64 I'M NOT HAPPY ABOUT THE BICKERING BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES. DEM F SMWT LIB 41-54 BEING OR ACTING LIKE IDIOTS. GOP F MOD 55-64 THEY HAVE A THREE YEAR OLD MENTALITY. THE FIGHTING THAT GOES ON BETWEEN CANDIDATES. DEM F SMWT LIB 65+ THE FIGHTING. GOP F VERY CONS 65+ THEY ARGUE WITH EACH OTHER INSTEAD OF GETTING THINGS DONE DEM M SMWT LIB 65+ LACK OF CONCERN AND ACTION/ BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT TOGETHER CAN COMPROMISE DEM M DK 65+ THEY FIGHT TOO MUCH. GOP F VERY CONS 65+ I WISH THEY WOULDN'T SNARL AT EACH OTHER. I'M NOT ANGRY BUT WISH THEY WOULDN'T SNARL AT EACH OTHER. IND F MOD 65+ JUST THE WAY TREAT EACH OTHER DEM F VERY CONS 65+ 10
Off-Shore Drilling for Oil and Natural Gas STATE LEADERS ARE DEBATING MANY LAWS TO IMPACT CURRENT AND FUTURE ENERGY SOURCES. WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR OPINION ABOUT STATE LEADERS, PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU WOULD BE MORE LIKELY TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE A LAWMAKER OR CANDIDATE: "A LAWMAKER OR CANDIDATE WHO SUPPORTS OFFSHORE DRILLING FOR OIL OR GAS OFF THE COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA?" N= DK/ Refused February 2015 800 57.5% 30.5% 34.5% 20.1% 8.0% April 2016 800 47.8% 26.3% 42.3% 27.1% 1 RDU - DMA 251 43.0% 23.5% 49.8% 34.7% 7.2% CLT - DMA 214 5 28.5% 40.2% 23.8% 9.8% GSO - DMA 144 54.2% 26.4% 32.6% 22.0% 13.2% Wilmington - DMA 40 35.0% 2 55.0% 32.5% 1 Greenville/NB - DMA 85 49.4% 27.1% 41.2% 25.9% 9.4% Asheville - DMA 66 5 31.8% 34.8% 18.2% 15.2% Republican 286 67.5% 43.4% 24.1% 12.2% 8.4% Democrat 338 33.1% 13.0% 56.2% 37.3% 10.7% Unaffiliated 165 43.6% 23.6% 45.5% 32.7% 10.9% Always "D" Voter 144 32.6% 16.0% 59.0% 32.6% 8.3% Always "R" Voter 118 71.2% 47.5% 19.5% 9.3% 9.3% Splits-Ticket 153 41.2% 22.9% 46.4% 30.7% 12.4% McCrory Voter 349 67.0% 41.0% 24.6% 11.2% 8.3% Cooper Voter 325 30.2% 12.0% 62.2% 44.3% 7.7% Undecided Governor 102 39.2% 21.6% 40.2% 26.5% 20.6% Male 376 55.6% 33.8% 37.0% 25.3% 7.4% Female 424 40.8% 19.6% 46.9% 28.8% 12.3% 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 47.8% 57.5% 42.3% 30.5% 34.5% 26.3% 27.1% 20.1% Opose April 2016 February 2015 1 8.0% DK/ Refused Overall support for offshore drilling has dropped about 10 points since 2015. Republican support remains strong but is down from 78.1% in 2015, Unaffiliated voters dropped from 58.1% and Democratic voters dropped from 41.4%. 11
Policies to Encourage New Nuclear Plants "A LAWMAKER OR CANDIDATE WHO SUPPORTS POLICIES THAT ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW NUCLEAR ENERGY PLANTS IN NORTH CAROLINA? 6 5 4 3 2 1 42.1% 50.4% 24.8% 18.8% 47.5% 40.6% 28.0% 24.9% Opose April 2016 February 2015 10.4% 9.0% DK/ Refused Overall support was down compared to 2015 data, with the greatest drop of support being among Unaffiliated Voters and Republican Voters N= DK/ Refused February 2015 800 50.4% 24.8% 40.6% 24.9% 9.0% April 2016 800 42.1% 18.8% 47.5% 28.0% 10.4% RDU - DMA 251 38.6% 18.7% 54.2% 33.9% 7.2% CLT - DMA 214 43.0% 19.2% 43.5% 24.8% 13.6% GSO - DMA 144 44.4% 22.2% 42.4% 26.4% 13.2% Wilmington - DMA 40 57.5% 22.5% 3 22.5% 12.5% Greenville/NB - DMA 85 41.2% 14.1% 51.8% 30.6% 7.1% Asheville - DMA 66 39.4% 13.6% 51.5% 19.7% 9.1% Republican 286 53.8% 28.7% 36.4% 20.6% 9.8% Democrat 338 32.0% 12.7% 59.2% 36.4% 8.9% Unaffiliated 165 41.8% 13.3% 45.5% 24.8% 12.7% Always "D" Voter 144 32.6% 11.8% 59.7% 38.2% 7.6% Always "R" Voter 118 50.8% 28.8% 41.5% 25.4% 7.6% Splits-Ticket 153 41.2% 21.6% 41.8% 21.6% 17.0% McCrory Voter 349 53.0% 27.2% 38.7% 20.9% 8.3% Cooper Voter 325 32.6% 11.4% 58.5% 35.7% 8.9% Undecided Governor 102 32.4% 10.8% 46.1% 29.4% 21.6% Male 376 51.1% 25.0% 39.6% 23.4% 9.3% Female 424 34.2% 13.2% 54.5% 32.1% 11.3% 12
Renewable Energy Options "A LAWMAKER OR CANDIDATE WHO SUPPORTS POLICIES THAT ENCOURAGE RENEWABLE ENERGY OPTIONS SUCH AS WIND AND SOLAR POWER?" 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 86.5% 86.8% 63.8% 60.3% 10.6% 10.3% 6.0% 4.6% April 2016 February 2015 Opose for renewable energy options such as wind and solar power remain relatively unchanged among all voting groups. There is nearly a ten-point gap between Republican men and Republican women on the issue. N= DK/ Refused February 2015 800 86.8% 60.3% 10.3% 4.6% 3.0% April 2016 800 86.5% 63.8% 10.6% 6.0% 2.9% RDU - DMA 251 87.6% 68.1% 11.2% 8.4% 1.2% CLT - DMA 214 84.1% 59.8% 12.1% 6.1% 3.7% GSO - DMA 144 86.1% 66.0% 6.9% 2.1% 6.9% Wilmington - DMA 40 95.0% 65.0% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% Greenville/NB - DMA 85 88.2% 61.2% 10.6% 7.1% 1.2% Asheville - DMA 66 83.3% 57.6% 16.7% 6.1% Republican 286 78.0% 53.8% 17.1% 9.4% 4.9% Democrat 338 92.6% 74.3% 6.5% 3.8% 0.9% Unaffiliated 165 88.5% 58.8% 8.5% 4.8% 3.0% Republican Men 144 73.6% 47.9% 23.6% 14.6% 2.8% Republican Women 142 82.4% 59.9% 10.6% 4.2% 7.0% Always "D" Voter 144 93.6% 77.2% 6.1% 3.5% 0.3% Always "R" Voter 118 77.5% 48.5% 18.1% 9.6% 4.4% Splits-Ticket 153 88.9% 62.7% 7.2% 5.2% 3.9% McCrory Voter 349 76.8% 48.7% 18.9% 10.3% 4.3% Cooper Voter 325 96.3% 80.9% 3.1% 1.8% 0.6% Undecided Governor 102 87.3% 60.8% 7.8% 5.9% 4.9% Male 376 84.8% 60.9% 13.0% 8.8% 2.1% Female 424 88.0% 66.3% 8.5% 3.5% 3.5% 13
Energy Efficiency Upgrades A LAWMAKER OR CANDIDATE WHO SUPPORTS LEGISLATION THAT WOULD PROVIDE ADDITIONAL WAYS FOR HOME OR BUSINESS OWNERS TO FINANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES SUCH AS IMPROVED INSULATION, LIGHTING OR WINDOWS? 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 87.6% 84.9% 60.5% 60.8% 8.9% 10.8% 6.1% 4.1% 3.5% 4.4% April 2016 February 2015 Opose DK/ Refused is slightly stronger than in 2015, with Unaffiliated voters moving from 81.8% in 2015, to 88.5% in 2016. Republicans moved from 78.1% to 82.5% with Democrats unchanged at 91.8% to 92% N= DK/ Refused February 2015 800 84.9% 60.8% 10.8% 6.1% 4.4% April 2016 800 87.6% 60.5% 8.9% 4.1% 3.5% RDU - DMA 251 89.6% 66.5% 8.4% 5.6% 2.0% CLT - DMA 214 83.6% 51.9% 10.3% 3.3% 6.1% GSO - DMA 144 86.8% 59.0% 8.3% 4.9% 4.9% Wilmington - DMA 40 95.0% 7 5.0% 2.5% Greenville/NB - DMA 85 91.8% 69.4% 5.9% 3.5% 2.4% Asheville - DMA 66 84.8% 51.5% 13.6% 1.5% 1.5% Republican 286 82.5% 54.5% 14.3% 7.0% 3.1% Democrat 338 92.0% 67.2% 5.3% 1.5% 2.7% Unaffiliated 165 88.5% 57.6% 6.1% 4.2% 5.5% Always "D" Voter 144 90.3% 68.8% 8.3% 2.1% 1.4% Always "R" Voter 118 81.6% 50.5% 15.0% 7.2% 3.4% Splits-Ticket 153 87.6% 59.5% 4.6% 2.6% 7.8% McCrory Voter 349 81.4% 53.9% 15.8% 7.4% 2.9% Cooper Voter 325 96.6% 69.8% 1.8% 0.6% 1.5% Undecided Governor 102 82.4% 51.0% 5.9% 2.9% 11.8% Male 376 87.5% 59.6% 9.3% 5.3% 3.2% Female 424 87.7% 61.3% 8.5% 3.1% 3.8% 14
Hydro-Fracking "A LAWMAKER OR CANDIDATE WHO SUPPORTS THE DRILLING OF NATURAL GAS THROUGH A PROCESS KNOWN AS HYDRO-FRACKING?" 6 5 4 3 2 1 29.8% 39.5% 15.0% 22.3% 52.8% 44.8% 39.5% 33.4% April 2016 February 2015 Opose 17.6% 15.8% DK/ Refused Voters continue to be opposed to hydrofracking with intensity being more than 2 to 1 between those who strongly oppose to those who strongly favor. N= DK/ Refused February 2015 800 39.5% 22.3% 44.8% 33.4% 15.8% April 2016 800 29.8% 15.0% 52.8% 39.5% 17.6% RDU - DMA 251 24.7% 13.9% 58.6% 46.6% 16.7% CLT - DMA 214 34.1% 15.4% 48.6% 35.0% 17.3% GSO - DMA 144 29.2% 14.6% 51.4% 39.6% 19.4% Wilmington - DMA 40 32.5% 12.5% 5 3 17.5% Greenville/NB - DMA 85 35.3% 18.8% 4 30.6% 24.7% Asheville - DMA 66 27.3% 15.2% 63.6% 43.9% 9.1% Republican 286 48.6% 24.8% 35.3% 22.4% 16.1% Democrat 338 16.6% 7.4% 66.9% 53.3% 16.6% Unaffiliated 165 24.8% 13.3% 53.3% 43.0% 21.8% Republican Men 144 54.2% 29.9% 34.7% 21.5% 11.1% Republican Women 142 43.0% 19.7% 35.9% 23.2% 21.1% Always "D" Voter 144 20.1% 6.9% 66.0% 47.2% 13.9% Always "R" Voter 118 46.6% 23.7% 33.1% 19.5% 20.3% Splits-Ticket 153 22.2% 15.0% 57.5% 44.4% 20.3% McCrory Voter 349 47.6% 25.5% 34.7% 20.9% 17.8% Cooper Voter 325 13.2% 5.2% 75.4% 60.9% 11.4% Undecided Governor 102 23.5% 9.8% 41.2% 32.4% 35.3% Male 376 34.6% 18.4% 50.5% 37.2% 4.9% Female 424 25.5% 12.0% 54.5% 41.5% 2 15
Providers of Electricity Which of the following companies or entities provide the electricity you use at home? 6 49.3% 50.5% 5 4 3 2 1 19.8% 17.8% 18.5% 17.3% 9.3% 9.5% 3.0% 2.3% 2.0% 1.0% Duke Energy Duke Energy/Progress Local Electric Co-op Town or City Other DK/Refused April 2016 February 2015 N= Duke Energy Duke Energy/Progress Local Electric Co-op Town or City Other DK/Refused February 2015 800 50.5% 18.5% 17.3% 9.5% 2.3% 2.0% April 2016 800 49.3% 17.8% 19.8% 9.3% 3.0% 1.0% RDU - DMA 251 37.8% 32.7% 17.9% 9.2% 0.8% 1.6% CLT - DMA 214 57.0% 8.4% 19.6% 10.3% 4.2% 0.5% GSO - DMA 144 70.1% 5.6% 12.5% 9.0% 2.1% 0.7% Wilmington - DMA 40 42.5% 17.5% 35.0% 2.5% 2.5% Greenville/NB - DMA 85 28.2% 11.8% 31.8% 15.3% 11.8% 1.2% Asheville - DMA 66 53.0% 25.8% 18.2% 3.0% 16
Electricity Rates Which of the following do you think is the number one cause for electricity rates to increase in North Carolina? 5 4 3 2 1 38.9% 33.3% Higher Profits 24.0% 28.1% Lack of Competition 9.9% 12.8% Supply and Demand 8.6% 8.0% 8.5% 7.1% 10.1% 10.8% Overall Cost/Incrs April 2016 February 2015 Renewable Mandates DK/ Refused Higher profits and lack of competition continue to dominate across partisan lines. Republicans put renewable mandates 3 rd, while Democrats and Unaffiliated voters put them last. N= Higher Profits Lack of Competition Supply and Demand Overall Cost/Incrs Renewable Mandates DK/ Refused February 2015 800 33.3% 28.1% 12.8% 8.0% 7.1% 10.8% April 2016 800 38.9% 24.0% 9.9% 8.6% 8.5% 10.1% Republican 286 35.7% 24.1% 10.1% 7.7% 13.6% 8.7% Democrat 338 40.5% 24.6% 10.4% 8.0% 4.7% 11.8% Unaffiliated 165 4 23.6% 8.5% 11.5% 7.3% 9.1% Always "D" Voter 144 46.5% 15.3% 11.0% 8.5% 4.9% 14.6% Always "R" Voter 118 38.1% 22.9% 10.9% 7.5% 12.7% 6.8% Splits-Ticket 153 37.9% 24.8% 8.5% 13.7% 7.8% 7.2% McCrory Voter 349 37.0% 23.5% 9.5% 8.0% 15.2% 6.9% Cooper Voter 325 43.4% 24.3% 9.5% 8.0% 2.2% 12.6% Undecided Governor 102 35.3% 19.6% 12.7% 13.7% 3.9% 14.7% Male 376 30.9% 25.0% 12.0% 10.4% 11.7% 10.1% Female 424 46.0% 23.1% 8.0% 7.1% 5.7% 10.1% 17
Energy Policy Options As you may know, state leaders are discussing several changes to our state s current energy policies. Which of the following do you think is most important to you and you think should be a priority for lawmakers to consider? N= New Clean Energy More Competition Oil/Gas Exploration Low Energy Costs Alternatives Use of Coal DK/Refused February 2015 800 47.5% 20.5% 15.1% 6.4% 5.9% 4.6% April 2016 800 53.6% 18.6% 10.9% 5.9% 5.8% 5.3% Republican 286 36.7% 25.5% 17.1% 3.8% 9.8% 7.0% Democrat 338 69.2% 11.5% 6.5% 6.5% 2.7% 3.6% Unaffiliated 165 52.1% 20.6% 9.1% 7.9% 4.8% 5.5% Unaffiliated Men 86 40.7% 22.1% 10.5% 12.8% 7.0% 7.0% Unaffiliated Women 79 64.6% 19.0% 7.6% 2.5% 2.5% 3.8% Always "D" Voter 144 66.0% 8.3% 9.7% 9.7% 2.8% 3.5% Always "R" Voter 118 34.7% 23.7% 16.1% 4.2% 15.3% 5.9% Splits-Ticket 153 56.9% 23.5% 5.9% 5.2% 3.3% 5.2% McCrory Voter 349 35.8% 26.6% 15.2% 4.9% 10.3% 7.2% Cooper Voter 325 72.3% 10.2% 5.2% 7.4% 1.8% 3.1% Undecided Governor 102 55.9% 16.7% 12.7% 4.9% 2.9% 6.9% Male 376 51.9% 19.1% 12.2% 6.4% 6.9% 3.5% Female 424 55.2% 18.2% 9.7% 5.4% 4.7% 6.8% Voters support for investing in new clean energy has increased since 2015. The small gender gap on the issue is driven by Unaffiliated voters. New clean energy policies continue to be the first choice among all voting groups. 18
2007 REPS Law In 2007, the state legislature passed a standard that requires public utilities to increase their use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to 12.5% by the year 2021. Would you say you support or oppose this legislation? 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 74.8% 69.6% 21.1% 23.0% 4.1% 7.1% DK/ Refused April 2016 February 2015 for the legislation remains strong with all voting groups. The issue maintains a minimum support level over 60% with all key voting groups. DK/Refused N = February 2015 800 69.6% 23.0% 7.1% April 2016 800 74.8% 21.1% 4.1% Republican 286 64.7% 31.5% 3.8% Democrat 338 84.0% 12.7% 3.3% Unaffiliated 165 72.7% 21.2% 6.1% Liberal 166 91.0% 7.2% 1.8% Moderate 242 81.0% 15.3% 3.7% Conservative 351 64.1% 32.2% 3.7% Urban 163 81.0% 14.7% 4.3% Suburban 329 77.5% 19.1% 3.3% Rural 289 70.2% 24.9% 4.8% Always "D" Voter 144 78.5% 17.4% 4.2% Always "R" Voter 118 63.6% 32.2% 4.2% Splits-Ticket 153 77.1% 18.3% 4.6% Entire Life 383 73.4% 22.2% 4.4% 20+years 212 75.5% 20.8% 3.8% 11-20 - years 111 76.6% 20.7% 2.7% 6-10 years 55 78.2% 16.4% 5.5% Male 376 73.4% 22.9% 3.7% Female 424 75.9% 19.6% 4.5% 19
Message Push on 2007 REPS Law Those opposed to the renewable standard were asked a series of questions, if they would still be opposed if they knew that; cost was <$2.00 on your electricity bill, there are over 25,000 jobs in NC related to the industry, new technology will likely lead to low costs and 75% of new projects have gone to rural areas., April 2016 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 <$2.00 on your Utility Bill 25,000 New Jobs Created Likely Lower Energy Cost in the Future DK/Refused 80% of Jobs go to Rural Areas of North Caorlina April 2016 N = Now Still d DK/Refused <$2.00 on your Utility Bill 169 24.9% 68.6% 6.5% 25,000 New Jobs Created 169 33.1% 56.8% 10.1% Likely Lower Energy Cost in the Future 169 46.2% 43.8% 10.1% 80% of Jobs go to Rural Areas of North Carolina 169 37.9% 49.7% 12.4% 20
Monopoly or Options for Consumers When it comes to where you purchase the electricity needed to run your home, do you think North Carolina consumers have options or do you feel the public utilities have a monopoly? Do you think state and local officials should work to provide consumers of electricity more options on where they can purchase their power or would you say you are satisfied with our current system of public utilities? 10 8 84.9% 86.4% 8 6 67.1% 69.5% 6 4 4 27.0% 26.5% 2 8.8% 10.6% 4.5% 4.9% Have Options Have a Monopoly DK/Refused April 2016 Februrary 2015 2 5.9% 4.0% Provide More Options Satisfied Current System DK/ Refused April 2016 February 2015 Consumers Have Options Utilities Have Monopoly N = February 2015 800 8.8% 86.4% 4.9% April 2016 800 10.6% 84.9% 4.5% Liberals 166 10.2% 88.0% 1.8% Moderates 242 12.4% 85.5% 2.1% Conservatives 351 9.4% 84.0% 6.6% Republican 286 10.8% 83.6% 5.6% Democrat 338 10.4% 85.5% 4.1% Unaffiliated 165 11.5% 86.1% 2.4% Male 376 10.9% 84.8% 4.3% Female 424 10.4% 84.9% 4.7% Dk/Refused Provide More Options Satisfied Current System DK/ Refused N = February 2015 800 67.1% 27.0% 5.9% April 2016 800 67.1% 27.0% 5.9% Republican 286 65.4% 28.0% 6.6% Democrat 338 67.8% 27.2% 5.0% Unaffiliated 165 69.1% 24.8% 6.1% Liberal 166 73.5% 22.9% 3.6% Moderate 242 69.8% 24.0% 6.2% Conservative 351 62.1% 31.6% 6.3% 21
Third Party Sales There has been discussion about allowing third party energy sales in North Carolina. Third-party sales will allow other companies to compete with the public utility in your area and provide consumers with more choices for service and pricing. Do you think lawmakers should pass legislation that would allow for third-party energy sales to consumers? 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 78.8% 72.0% 16.3% 12.0% 11.8% 9.3% Yes No DK/ Refused April 2016 February 2015 for third-party sales remains above 70% in North Carolina. It has almost equal support from core-based voters in both major Parties. Strength of support is driven in part by voters who have moved to North Carolina. DK/ Yes No N = Refused February 2015 800 78.8% 12.0% 9.3% April 2016 800 72.0% 16.3% 11.8% Republican 286 69.6% 18.5% 11.9% Democrat 338 73.7% 16.0% 10.4% Unaffiliated 165 71.5% 13.9% 14.5% Liberal 166 77.1% 13.3% 9.6% Moderate 242 71.9% 15.7% 12.4% Conservative 351 70.7% 18.2% 11.1% Urban 163 76.1% 12.3% 11.7% Suburban 329 69.9% 18.8% 11.2% Rural 289 71.6% 16.3% 12.1% Always "D" Voter 144 63.2% 25.7% 11.1% Always "R" Voter 118 66.1% 23.7% 10.2% Splits-Ticket 153 74.5% 13.1% 12.4% Entire Life 383 64.5% 22.5% 13.1% 20+years 212 73.6% 14.6% 11.8% 11-20 - years 111 82.9% 8.1% 9.0% 6-10 years 55 81.8% 7.3% 10.9% Male 376 75.0% 11.4% 13.6% Female 424 69.3% 20.5% 10.1% 22
Third Party Sales Would you be more inclined to support or oppose a legislator who supported third-party energy sales? 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 72.6% 69.0% 16.8% 13.1% 14.3% 14.3% DK/ Refused February 2015 April 2016 Voters are inclined to support a legislator who supports third-party sales. The issue remains very strong with Unaffiliated voters and core-based Republican voters are slightly stronger than core-based Democratic voters. N = DK/ Refused February 2015 800 72.6% 13.1% 14.3% April 2016 800 69.0% 16.8% 14.3% Republican 286 65.0% 19.6% 15.4% Democrat 338 70.7% 18.0% 11.2% Unaffiliated 165 72.1% 10.3% 17.6% Liberal 166 74.7% 15.1% 10.2% Moderate 242 71.9% 14.0% 14.0% Conservative 351 65.8% 19.4% 14.8% Urban 163 75.5% 11.0% 13.5% Suburban 329 68.1% 19.1% 12.8% Rural 289 67.1% 18.0% 14.9% Always "D" Voter 144 58.3% 29.9% 11.8% Always "R" Voter 118 61.0% 23.7% 15.3% Splits-Ticket 153 71.2% 11.1% 17.6% Entire Life 383 62.7% 23.8% 13.6% 20+years 212 68.4% 14.2% 17.5% 11-20 - years 111 82.0% 8.1% 9.9% 6-10 years 55 78.2% 7.3% 14.5% Male 376 71.3% 14.6% 4.1% Female 424 67.0% 18.6% 14.4% 23
Renewable Energy Tax Credit Just last year, the North Carolina state legislature allowed the tax incentives to homeowners and businesses who utilize renewable energy options such as solar, wind and other renewable sources to expire. Do you support or oppose the State Legislature re-establishing the renewable energy tax credit? 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 N = DK/ Refused is strongest with Democratic and Unaffiliated voters as well as those voters who describe themselves as ticketsplitters. DK/ Refused April 2016 800 72.1% 20.1% 7.8% Republican 286 64.3% 27.6% 8.0% Democrat 338 80.5% 13.0% 6.5% Unaffiliated 165 69.7% 21.2% 9.1% Liberal 166 90.4% 5.4% 4.2% Moderate 242 76.9% 15.7% 7.2% Conservative 351 61.5% 29.3% 9.1% Urban 163 81.0% 14.1% 4.9% Suburban 329 73.6% 21.0% 5.5% Rural 289 67.5% 22.5% 1 Always "D" Voter 144 75.7% 16.7% 7.6% Always "R" Voter 118 55.9% 32.2% 11.9% Splits-Ticket 153 73.2% 17.6% 9.2% McCrory Voter 349 62.8% 30.7% 6.6% Cooper Voter 325 86.8% 8.3% 4.9% Undecided Governor 102 57.8% 21.6% 20.6% Entire Life 383 70.5% 21.1% 8.4% 20+years 212 73.6% 19.3% 7.1% 11-20 - years 111 75.7% 21.6% 2.7% 6-10 years 55 70.9% 14.5% 14.5% Male 376 71.8% 20.7% 7.4% Female 424 72.4% 19.6% 8.0% 24
Candidate Message Test Candidate A supports encouraging the development of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar through economic incentives such as tax credits. This candidate believes that by solely relying upon traditional energy sources such as oil, coal and natural gas, we are putting our economy and nation at risk from global forces beyond our control. Candidate B says that we have enough energy sources already and that clean energy policies are just another way for liberals like President Obama and Hillary Clinton (added in 2016) to create more government programs at taxpayers expense in order to save the the environment. We added Hillary Clinton to the candidate message test to try and move Republicans away from Candidate A, however support for Candidate A increased with Republicans and dropped with Democrats when compared to 2015 data. Unaffiliated voters moved to Don t Know. However, even with Obama and Clinton in the candidate message test, North Carolina voters still showed strong support for renewable energy sources. N = Candidate A Candidate B DK/ Refused February 2015 800 66.0% 25.9% 8.1% April 2016 800 62.9% 24.3% 12.9% Republican 286 53.8% 33.6% 12.6% Republican -2015 278 46.8% 44.2% 9.0% Democrat 338 73.7% 16.3% 10.1% Democrat - 2015 353 81.6% 12.5% 5.9% Unaffiliated 165 57.0% 24.2% 18.8% Unaffiliated -2015 148 66.9% 25.0% 8.1% Urban 163 67.5% 17.2% 15.3% Suburban 329 66.0% 21.9% 12.2% Rural 289 58.1% 31.5% 10.4% Always "D" Voter 144 64.6% 23.6% 11.8% Always "R" Voter 118 53.4% 32.2% 14.4% Splits-Ticket 153 66.0% 20.3% 13.7% McCrory Voter 349 53.0% 34.7% 12.3% Cooper Voter 325 77.8% 13.5% 8.6% Undecided Governor 102 52.0% 18.6% 29.4% Entire Life 383 61.1% 27.9% 11.0% 20+years 212 65.6% 22.2% 12.3% 11-20 - years 111 61.3% 24.3% 14.4% 6-10 years 55 67.3% 12.7% 2 Male 376 61.7% 24.7% 13.6% Female 424 63.9% 23.8% 12.3% 25
Ballot Test - Governor If the election for Governor were held today and the two candidates were Roy Cooper the Democrat and Pat McCrory the Republican and Lon Cecil the Libertarian, for whom would you vote? 5 45.0% 4 35.0% 3 25.0% 2 15.0% 1 5.0% 40.6% 42.1% 43.6% 43.8% 3.0% 12.9% 14.1% Cooper McCrory Cecil Undecided April 2016 February 2015 The race is going to go down to the wire. Both candidates have solidified their base and split the middle. Movement in the Urban/Suburban/Rural clusters runs in opposite direction for Cooper & McCrory. N = Cooper McCrory Cecil Undecided February 2015 800 42.1% 43.8% 14.1% April 2016 800 40.6% 43.6% 3.0% 12.9% Republican 286 7.3% 81.1% 2.1% 9.4% Democrat 338 71.6% 15.4% 2.1% 10.9% Unaffiliated 165 37.0% 38.8% 5.5% 18.8% Liberal 166 75.9% 9.0% 3.6% 11.4% Moderate 242 52.1% 28.9% 2.1% 16.9% Conservative 351 15.1% 72.1% 3.7% 9.1% Urban 163 53.4% 32.5% 2.5% 11.7% Suburban 329 41.6% 45.9% 1.8% 10.6% Rural 289 34.6% 48.4% 4.8% 12.1% Splits-Ticket 153 35.9% 34.6% 7.8% 21.6% Entire Life 383 35.5% 47.8% 2.6% 14.1% 20+years 212 47.6% 40.6% 2.8% 9.0% 11-20 - years 111 44.1% 43.2% 4.5% 8.1% 6-10 years 55 41.8% 34.5% 3.6% 2 Male 376 36.7% 44.9% 3.2% 15.2% Female 424 44.1% 42.5% 2.8% 10.6% 26
The National Make-up on NC Voters When asked, how long have you lived in North Carolina? 47.9% said their entire life. As a follow up, we asked those who had not: What was the last state you lived in, if it was another country, then just say so. 3.1% 13.9% 2.6% 2.2% 2.9% 3.8% ç4.2% ë2.4% 9.4% 4.1% 47.9% 6.2% 6.5% 4.1% said another country and 1.7% said Washington, DC. 3.1% 6.7% 27
Demographic Overview 20.4% - Urban Based Voters 41.1% - Suburban Based Voters 36.1% - Rural Based Voters 35.8% Registered Republican 42.3% Registered Democrat 20.6% Registered Unaffiliated 47.9% - Lived in NC entire Life 26.5% - > 20years 13.9% - 11-20 years 11.2% - < 10 years 18.0% - Greensboro 26.8% - Charlotte 10.6% - Greenville/New Bern 8.3% Asheville 5.0% Wilmington 31.4% - Raleigh/Durham 52.6% - Are College Graduates 23.8% - Received some College 16.5% - High School Degree 4.4% - Some High School or Less 31.1% ----65 or older 28.8% ---55-64 years old 18.8.% ---41-54 years old 16.6% ---26-40 years old 2.6% ---18-25 years old 85.5% Cell & landline 9.5% Landline Only 3.6% Cell only 53.0% Female 47.0% Male 71.9% White 23.9% non-white 21.1% Black 28