A new poll from the ECU Center for Survey Research has revealed a statistical tie between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in the crucial battleground state of North Carolina. The survey, conducted just days before the mailing of absentee ballots, shows the Harris-Walz ticket leading the Trump-Vance ticket by a narrow margin of 48% to 47%, with a margin of error of +/- 3%.
The poll’s findings suggest that the selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Harris’ running mate has not hurt her chances, with 97% of her supporters saying the choice has either increased their likelihood of voting for her or had no impact. Similarly, 96% of Trump supporters reported that the selection of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate has either increased their likelihood of voting for him or had no impact.
The poll’s director, Dr. Peter Francia, noted that Harris’ nomination has significantly altered the landscape of the presidential election in North Carolina. “Kamala Harris has shaken up the presidential election,” Francia said. “When Donald Trump’s opponent was Joe Biden, it seemed very likely that North Carolina’s electoral college votes would go to the Republican presidential candidate for the fourth consecutive time. Now, that seems significantly less certain.”
The poll also found that the economy and cost of living are the top concerns for voters in North Carolina, with 30% citing inflation and the overall cost of living as the most important issue in deciding their vote. Abortion and border security were also major concerns, with 14% and 13% of respondents citing these issues, respectively.
In the gubernatorial race, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein leads Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson by a margin of 47% to 41%, with 11% of respondents still undecided. The poll’s findings confirm a trend that has been evident since the summer, with Stein pulling away from Robinson in recent months.
The poll was conducted from August 26-28, with a sample size of 920 likely voters and a confidence level of 95%. The results come as Trump is set to visit Charlotte on Friday to address the National Fraternal Order of Police, and as the state prepares to mail out absentee ballots.
