Poll: Voters trust local governments more than feds to address crime, other issues

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – A majority of Americans say the federal government should not decide policing and crime policy in their communities, according to a new poll.

The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll, conducted by Noble Predictive Insights, surveyed 2,565 registered voters between Oct. 2-6 through opt-in online panels and text-to-web cell phone messages.

About 22% of voters said the federal government should decide policing and crime policy, but about 70% of registered voters think either state or local governments should handle policing and crime policy.

The poll comes after President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops to Washington D.C., Chicago and Portland to fight and deter crime. While crime is down in Washington D.C., court’s temporarily blocked Trump’s deployment of troops to Chicago and Portland.

About 33% of registered voters believe policing and crime policy should be decided by local governments and about 37% think it should be decided by state governments. About 8% were not sure.

Mike Noble, founder and CEO of Noble Predictive Insights, said the lack of consensus on where policing authority should reside could be a reflection of post-2020 tensions over federal oversight versus local accountability.

With Republican control of the executive branch and both chambers Congress 27% of Republicans said they trusted the federal government to handle policing and crime issues. Only 19% of Democrats said the federal government should handle policing.

Independent voters made up one of the largest portions of those who were unsure of which level of government should have responsibility for policing and crime at 13%.

About 29% of Black respondents said they trusted local governments to handle policing and crime, compared to about 33% of Hispanic or Latino respondents and 33% of white respondents.

The poll also found that voters felt more strongly about which level of government should deal with problems in their communities.

Half of registered voters said they trust local governments to make the “right decisions” regarding problems in the community, according to the poll; 48% of Republicans, 51% of Democrats and 54% of Independents agreed that local governments have the responsibility to make these decisions.

Independent voters with college degrees expressed the most trust toward local governments for handling issues in the community at 61%.

Overall, only about 10% of registered voters said they trusted the federal government in Washington to make the right decisions to solve problems in their communities.

About 14% of Republicans and 7% of Democrats said they trust the federal government to solve problems facing their communities.

Noble said the poll reflects voters having a strong grassroots trust in solving issues that matter to their communities.

“They absolutely don’t trust Washington when it comes to your local issues,” Noble said. “But when it comes to control at a local level, it’s hands down local government.”

The margin of error for the poll was 2%.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Westfield School Board.3

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Summer Construction Planned: Major facility improvements begin after Memorial Day, with cafeterias closed June 2-17 for asbestos abatement and Agriculture/Industrial Arts Building without power for electrical upgrades. State Track Qualifiers:...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield School Board Reorganizes Leadership, Seats New Member

The Casey-Westfield School Board completed its post-election reorganization Monday evening, maintaining current leadership while welcoming new member Mike Fouty and establishing committee assignments for the coming term. The organizational meeting...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

SCHOOL BOARD BRIEFS

Election Results Certified: The April 1 school board election results were officially certified, with Mike Fouty joining as the new member after receiving 282 votes for a four-year term. Leadership...
Casey Council Meeting.1

Casey Completes $498,279 Housing Rehabilitation Grant Project

The City of Casey successfully completed a nearly half-million dollar housing rehabilitation program that brought nine homes up to code and assisted 19 low-to-moderate income residents, officials announced during a...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Grant Administration Success: The Coles County Regional Planning & Development Commission successfully administered the $498,279 housing rehabilitation grant with 100% of funds reaching qualifying low-to-moderate income households. No Resident Displacement:...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Casey-Westfield Board Approves $100,000+ in Technology and Facility Upgrades

The Casey-Westfield School Board approved more than $100,000 in technology purchases and facility improvements during Monday's meeting, while also addressing administrative cost limitations and preparing for new board member transitions....
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service

Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic competitions, community service, and educational experiences, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. High school students showcased academic excellence through multiple...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Bond Funds Secured: The Series 2025 HLS Bonds closed April 15 with proceeds deposited at Casey State Bank and fully collateralized, advancing facility improvement projects. Board Transition Pending: New board...
Casey Council Meeting.1

Casey Council Approves Major Equipment Purchase, Awards Tree Removal Contracts

The Casey City Council authorized the purchase of a $191,537.50 hydro-vac truck and awarded contracts totaling more than $40,000 for tree and stump removal projects during Monday's meeting, while also...
Casey Council Meeting.2

Casey Committee Maintains Chicken Ban, Advances Planning Initiatives

Casey city committees addressed livestock regulations and economic development planning during meetings held before Monday's council session, with decisions that will affect both residential regulations and long-term community growth. The...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Pond Project Installation: The valve structure for the park pond project arrived Tuesday with installation work beginning this week, continuing progress on the recreational facility enhancement. Sidewalk Bids Scheduled: Contractor...
Casey Council Meeting.1

Casey Council Approves Union Contract, Issues Historic Founding Day Proclamation

The Casey City Council approved a tentative agreement with the ICOP Union and signed a proclamation commemorating the city's founding during Monday's meeting, while also advancing several business and infrastructure...
Casey Council Meeting.2

Casey Schedules Public Input on Comprehensive Plan Update

Casey residents will have the opportunity to provide input on the city's comprehensive plan update during a public meeting scheduled for April 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Economic Development...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Ordinance Changes Considered: Alderman Richardson reported a citizen inquiry about allowing chickens within city limits, with an ordinance committee meeting planned to discuss potential changes to current regulations. Emergency Sirens...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Board Approves $4.5 Million Bond Issue with Local Banks

The Casey-Westfield School Board unanimously approved a $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention, safety improvements, and building renovations during Monday's meeting, with financing arranged through three local banks at...