A recent survey indicates that a large majority of North Carolina voters are opposed to gerrymandering and favor the creation of a bipartisan citizens commission to draw voting maps. The poll, conducted by Opinion Diagnostics—a firm with experience in Republican political research—was commissioned by Common Cause North Carolina, a nonpartisan voting rights group.
The release of these findings comes as Senator Phil Berger, the Republican leader of the North Carolina Senate, has suggested he may pursue further changes to congressional districts that could give his party an advantage in the 2026 elections. This potential move is likely to be unpopular among voters based on current public opinion.
According to the survey, 84% of respondents believe it is never acceptable for politicians to draw electoral districts for their own party’s benefit. This view crosses party lines: 78% of Republicans, 87% of Democrats, and 85% of unaffiliated voters agree with this stance.
Seventy percent support forming a bipartisan citizens commission for drawing fair voting maps. Only 12% prefer keeping legislators in charge of map drawing, while 17% remain unsure.
Bob Phillips, Executive Director of Common Cause North Carolina, stated: “North Carolinians are tired of politicians rigging our voting maps. As we see in this survey, voters want no gerrymandering, not more. Senator Berger should take note and drop any attempt to engage in yet more map-rigging, even if pressured by Washington, D.C., politicians to further manipulate North Carolina’s districts.”
The poll also found strong support for judicial oversight against gerrymandering; 82% say judges should protect against racial discrimination when electoral maps are drawn. Support remains high across groups: 66% among Republicans, 93% among Democrats, and 85% among unaffiliated voters; as well as 81% among white voters and 93% among Black voters.
This sentiment is particularly relevant as a federal court recently heard arguments in NC NAACP v. Berger—a case where plaintiffs including Common Cause NC challenge district boundaries they argue undermine Black voting rights. A ruling from the three-judge panel is pending.
Additionally, most respondents (76%) believe it should be illegal for gerrymandering to discriminate based on political affiliation. Majorities within each group—66% Republicans, 79% Democrats and 82% unaffiliated—support outlawing partisan gerrymandering. This follows last year’s decision by the Republican-led state Supreme Court under Chief Justice Paul Newby overturning a previous ban on partisan redistricting.
Voters express skepticism about legislative control over map-drawing; only one-quarter feel confident that current congressional and legislative districts were created fairly or transparently under existing procedures dominated by one party.
Transparency is another priority for respondents: Ninety percent want public input through hearings statewide before new district lines are finalized. Nearly all surveyed (94%) think electoral maps should represent all communities and viewpoints fairly.
“These findings show that North Carolina voters across parties want fair maps, transparency, and independent oversight,” said Brian Wynne, President of Opinion Diagnostics. “Public support is strong for a citizens’ redistricting commission and for courts to act as a backstop against gerrymandering. Partisan gerrymandering is widely rejected, including by majorities of Republicans as well as Democrats and unaffiliated voters.”
The survey included responses from 671 registered North Carolina voters between September 15-17 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8%.
Common Cause NC describes itself as an organization dedicated to promoting open government practices and equal representation.
