Fall 2023

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Governors Voice

Exploring the Commonwealth Poll

66th Governor of Virginia L. Douglas Wilder shares his perspective on the Wilder School Commonwealth Poll, a longtime bellwether and trusted source for public opinion in Virginia.

"When we look at what is and imagine the consequences for the future, we pose our questions to fit that mold. Perennial concerns like education, healthcare, housing, and crime will always be top of mind for the people. Our poll questions help elucidate to what degree citizens are affected."

Q The Wilder School has conducted the Commonwealth Poll since 2000. What qualities set the Commonwealth Poll ahead of other polls?

A What we bring to the people with the Commonwealth Poll is studious, as well as in-depth, relative to the real issues affecting the people of Virginia. The poll is clearly nonpartisan and reflective of the real issues affecting the people of Virginia. It has its place of recognition because of its accuracy, especially in voting perception.

Q How are poll questions developed? How does the Wilder School research expertise prioritize and explore Virginians’ voices?

A The poll questions are developed by Robyn McDougle, Associate Dean of Research and Outreach, and her team, through experience and connections with representatives of both parties. When we look at what is and imagine the consequences for the future, we pose our questions to fit that mold. Perennial concerns like education, healthcare, housing, and crime will always be top of mind for the people. Our poll questions help elucidate to what degree citizens are affected.

Q As Governor of Virginia, you were instrumental in investing in education across the commonwealth. In recent polls, we’ve seen strong opinions reflecting decline in the value of a college degree. What needs to happen to reverse these perspectives?

A There are strong opinions questioning the value of a college degree. The question is the cost of that college degree and the enormous amounts of money and sacrifices that people have to pay to some of the universities. But money alone is not the answer to education. It’s the proper dispensation of money. Unfortunately, that isn’t always a priority in higher education.

Q How does the Commonwealth Poll help benefit students at the Wilder School and across VCU?

A The poll gives them a guideline and a guidepost to compare their feelings with others. Moreover, it likewise gives them an opportunity to improve upon their thinking and to offer criticisms where necessary, including the poll itself. So, the guidelines for students should always be inquisitive. The question is, if these things are as they are, how do our students bring about change?