NORTH CAROLINA -- In an exclusive survey conducted by Spectrum News, in association with SurveyUSA, 600 North Carolinians weighed in on issues surrounding gun legislation and school safety. 

  • 90 percent said they would support background checks on purchasers of guns sold at gun shows.
  • 83 percent said they would support background checks on purchasers of guns through private sales.
  • 70 percent said they would support a ban on assault-style rifles such as the AR-15. 
  • 47 percent said they do not support arming teachers.
  • 77 percent said they would support funding metal detectors and other security screening for schools
  • The majority of those asked believe the best solution for keeping schools safe is more mental health services. 
Gun Banner

GUNS:

1. Would you support or oppose background checks on guns sold at gun shows? 

According to the survey, a majority of North Carolinians support background checks at gun shows.

  • Support: 90 percent
  • Oppose: 6 percent
  • Not Sure: 4 percent

Credibility Interval: ± 3.1 pct points

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2. Would you support or oppose background checks on guns sold privately? 

According to the survey, a majority of North Carolinians support background checks on guns purchased through private sales, including 78 percent of Republicans and 89 percent of Democrats. 

  • Support: 83 percent
  • Oppose: 11 percent
  • Not Sure: 6 percent

Credibility Interval: ± 3.9 pct points

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3. Would you support a ban on assault-style rifles such as the AR-15?

According to the survey, a majority of North Carolinians support banning assault-style rifles, including 59 percent of Republicans and 84 percent of democrats. 

  • Support: 70 percent
  • Oppose: 22 percent
  • Not Sure: 9 percent

Credibility Interval: ± 4.7 pct points

School Banner

SCHOOL SAFETY:

4. Would you support or oppose arming teachers if they go through proper firearms training?

According to the survey, more North Carolinians oppose arming teachers than support it. However, no option obtained a majority. 

Additionally, a majority (53 percent) of Republicans support arming teachers who are trained, while a majority of Democrats (67 percent) oppose it. 

  • Support: 35 percent
  • Oppose: 47 percent
  • Not Sure: 17 percent

Credibility Interval: ± 5.2 pct points

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5. Which of these would do the most to keep schools safe? 

According to the survey, most North Carolinians believe more mental health services would be the best solution for keeping schools safe. No option obtained a majority.

Of the options, only 10 percent of Republicans believe more gun control is the best solution, while 41 percent of Democrats chose this option. 

  • More Gun Control: 23 percent
  • More Mental Health Services: 37 percent
  • More School Resource Officers: 31 percent
  • Not Sure: 9 percent 

Credibility Interval: ± 5.2 pct points

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6. Do you support or oppose funding metal detectors and other security screening in public schools?

According to the survey, the majority of North Carolinians support funding metal detectors and other security screening in schools.

  • Support: 77 percent 
  • Oppose: 10 percent
  • Not Sure: 13 percent

Credibility Interval: ± 4.3 pct points

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