VCU Poll Finds 72% of Virginia Voters Oppose Data Center Tax Breaks as 47% Say State Is Off Track
Updated
Updated · wilder.vcu.edu · Jul 9
VCU Poll Finds 72% of Virginia Voters Oppose Data Center Tax Breaks as 47% Say State Is Off Track
3 articles · Updated · wilder.vcu.edu · Jul 9
Summary
72% of Virginia registered voters oppose sales tax exemptions for data centers, and 81% want operators to pay added fees to offset strain on the electric grid, according to VCU’s Summer 2026 Commonwealth Poll.
47% of voters say Virginia is headed in the wrong direction, while inflation and cost of living remain the top concern at 30%, suggesting economic pressure is driving broader dissatisfaction.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s standing is nearly even but slightly negative, with 44% approving and 47% disapproving of her job performance early in her term.
The poll also found broad support for other state interventions, including 82% backing paid sick leave and 58% supporting Virginia’s return to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Among 804 adults surveyed from June 22 to July 6, college costs also stood out, with 79% saying Virginia’s average $28,640 annual price for a four-year school is too high.