Likely Voters Attentive to Eminent Domain

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Tabular Results
Survey Details
Republican Response
Democratic Response

Eminent domain does not appear to be an arcane topic. Nearly half of likely voters (47%) say they've heard “quite a lot” about eminent domain, and another 24% say they've heard “some” about the issue. High awareness of the issue spans party affiliation, region, age and race according to the most recent Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind poll.

Dilapidated properties to rebuild with better housing and shops

Of the four scenarios tested, the only use of eminent domain a majority (54%) of likely voters accepts is to replace dilapidated properties with better housing and shops. And this holds true for both Corzine voters and Forrester voters. However, a majority of undecided likely voters oppose even this use of eminent domain by 56%-38%.

Houses and shops to build a new school

A majority of likely voters (63%) object to using eminent domain to take houses and shops even if in order to build a new school.  That opposition is as strong among liberals (65%) as it is among conservatives (64%).  In addition, women (70%) are more likely to oppose this use of eminent domain to build a school than men (54%).

Active farmland to build a new school or ball field

Nearly three-quarters of likely voters (73%) say taking active farmland by eminent domain, even if for a new school or for recreation, is not acceptable. Women are more likely to oppose this use of eminent domain than men (81%-64%).  Among undecided voters in the race for governor, 79% oppose this use of eminent domain.

Middle-class housing to replace it with upscale condos and shops

Opposition to forcing the sale of middle-class housing for redevelopment is nearly universal, with 92% of likely voters saying this particular use of eminent domain is not acceptable. That high level of agreement cuts across every demographic category.

“Likely voters are tuned into this topic,” said Peter Woolley, professor of political science and director of the PublicMind poll. “And likely voters appear to be very judicious in their assessment of the uses of eminent domain.”

The PublicMind poll of 602 likely voters statewide was conducted by telephone from October 4 through October 9 and has a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points.

Poll Analysis

Contacts:

Peter Woolley 973.670.3239
or
Krista Jenkins 973.443.8390

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