New poll shows overwhelming support for religious freedom, voters more likely to support candidates who would pass RFRA | Eastern NC Now

    News Release:

North Carolinians prefer to vote for governor, legislators who would put religious freedom protections into law

    RALEIGH, N.C.     A new National Research poll of registered North Carolina voters released May 14 by the Civitas Institute shows overwhelming support for legislation in the state that provides legal protections for religious freedom. North Carolinians will also take this strongly held belief in protecting religious freedom to the ballot box, the poll found. Citizens are far more likely to vote for candidates who share their views on this freedom.

    "Registered North Carolina voters not only believe in religious freedom, they want it secured in the laws of our state to protect citizens from government overreach," said North Carolina Values Coalition spokesperson Kami Mueller. "The polling data indicates that legislative action on religious freedom protection in North Carolina will be a determining factor at the ballot box."

    The telephone survey of 600 registered North Carolina voters was conducted May 5-7. Respondents were asked five questions in relation to religious freedom protection in North Carolina and how those beliefs will impact how they vote in the next election cycle.

    Eighty-three percent said that everyone's freedom to live and work according to their religious beliefs should be protected by law and given a fair hearing in court. The results are consistent with Clout Research polling results released in mid-April that show strong support for North Carolina's religious freedom legislation.

    Furthermore, 73 percent support passage of the North Carolina Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a law that would protect North Carolinians' freedom to practice their religious beliefs without government interference. Sixty-five percent said they would be more likely to vote for a state legislator who supports a law such as RFRA. Sixty-three percent said they would be more likely to vote for a governor who would sign such a law.

    "Religious freedom is a basic human right that deserves protection under the law," Mueller said. "The government shouldn't have unchecked power to intrude on North Carolinians' freedom. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act helps prevent that."

    Polling data has been consistently and overwhelmingly in favor of passing legislation that would protect religious freedom in North Carolina. The new polling data, however, affirms that North Carolina voters are also overwhelmingly looking to elect leaders to public office who will protect their religious freedom.

    •  Summary of polling results

    •  Full question cross-tab matrix and respondent results

    Contact: Kami Mueller

        (765) 215-1334 or kami.mueller@me.com.