L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public AffairsResearch and Outreach

Multiple times a year, our statewide Wilder School Commonwealth Poll provides policymakers with an up-to-date snapshot of public opinion on current policy issues in the commonwealth. On this page you'll find information about recent poll highlights, as well as poll data organized by topic and by date.

An overwhelming majority of Virginians feel that the 2020 special session of the General Assembly called by Governor Northam failed to address systemic racism or address the issue at all. Also, a plurality disapprove of Governor Northam’s use of $1 million for a yearlong investigation into racism at [Virginia Military Institute], and a majority also believe ethnic and racial diversity at the state leadership level and at the local level has led to increased segregation in our education system,”

L. Douglas Wilder
66th Governor of Virginia

Methodology

This poll was conducted from December 11-30, 2020. The methodology is as follows:

  • 827 adult Virginians surveyed
  • Phone survey (Landlines/Cell) – dual sample design on listed landline numbers and random digit dialed (RDD) cell phone numbers
  • Sample weighted by demographics: gender, age, education, race, Hispanic origin, and region
  • Overall margin of error: +/- 5.39 percentage points

References

January 12, 2021 - Large majority of Virginians lacked information about the state budget process but wanted it

January 18, 2021 - Majority say General Assembly special session failed to address systemic racism