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.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Virginians show concern over state of Democracy
Poll Highlights
Our most recent poll was conducted from January 9-22, 2026 with results released in February 2026. The poll asked Virginians for their perspectives on:
- Motivations for voting in November 2026
- Data centers and energy use
- Priorities for the General Assembly
- The retail sale of cannabis
- College affordability
Top motivations for Virginia's voters
41%
Maintaining Democracy
12%
Inflation
11%
Immigration
8%
Reproductive Rights
These findings send a clear and sobering message. Democracy is not self-executing. When 41 percent of Virginians say that maintaining democracy and civility was their reason for voting, and 32 percent say threats to democracy should be the top issue facing legislators, that is neither abstract nor partisan. It is a directive. It calls for open discussion and responsible action by the representatives of the people. And if that discussion and action are absent, we must ask why. Diversity, equity and inclusion are not relics of the past. They are reminders of the need for eternal vigilance to protect democratic norms, civic trust and the integrity of our public institutions.
Governor L. Douglas Wilder
66th Governor of Virginia
We are proud to have the Wilder School’s Commonwealth Poll selected as a Presidential Election Poll by CNN Politics for the first time in VCU’s history. Selection as a CNN-approved poll solidifies the Commonwealth Poll among the top polling operations in the nation while elevating the voice of Virginians.
Methodology
Our most recent poll was conducted from October 6 to 14, 2025, with results released in October 2025. The methodology is as follows:
- 806 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: +/- 4.40 percentage points
References
For more information about the results, questions, and data, visit the links below:
- February 10, 2026: Virginians show concern over state of democracy
For a comprehensive list of past poll questions, visit our Poll Guidebook.