Common Cause NC Released Voter News Preferences
A new statewide survey details how North Carolina voters track politics and their preferences for the upcoming U.S. Senate race.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you trust social media as a reliable source for political news?
Common Cause NC released a poll showing that 63 percent of North Carolina voters rely on local TV or social media to stay informed about state politics. The survey also found that Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley 51 percent to 41 percent in a hypothetical matchup for a U.S. Senate seat.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the dominance of social media and local television as the primary information conduits for likely voters. These preferences indicate how political campaigns may need to allocate resources to effectively reach the North Carolina electorate.
The poll surveyed 857 likely 2026 general election voters in North Carolina with a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points. Respondents were permitted to identify up to two political news sources as part of the survey design.
The players
Common Cause NC
This is a nonpartisan organization that works to promote democracy and accountability in North Carolina government.
Roy Cooper
He is a prominent North Carolina political figure who leads the U.S. Senate race preference survey in this poll.
Michael Whatley
He is a political figure featured in the survey as the challenger in a hypothetical U.S. Senate race.
The details
Thirty-six percent of voters specifically cite local TV news as a source, while 35 percent rely on social media platforms. In comparison, 17 percent of voters use cable news, radio, newspapers, or national networks, and 6 percent report they do not follow state politics.
Timeline
Common Cause NC conducted the survey between September 17 and September 20, 2026.
The official results were released by the organization on September 25, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents and some political analysts often argue that relying heavily on social media for news can create echo chambers that skew voter perception of Senate candidates. Critics of such surveys frequently suggest that these snapshots provide an incomplete view of a competitive electorate before campaign spending begins in earnest.
Voters should be aware that their primary news sources may shape their exposure to candidate platforms and campaign messaging. Understanding these consumption habits helps citizens recognize the potential biases in the information they receive before heading to the polls.
The takeaway
Voters are increasingly turning to local media and social platforms to navigate the state's political landscape. Staying informed through multiple, diverse news sources can help citizens form a more balanced view of candidates and policy issues.
Further reading
For more on the current political landscape, visit the Elections section.
Live Poll
Do you trust social media as a reliable source for political news?
