From Polls to Policy:

Data That Elevates Civic Discourse

Recent policy developments in New Jersey underscore the value of Stockton Polls in capturing public opinion on issues shaping the state's future.

From data centers and artificial intelligence to immigration and children's online safety, Hughes Center research continues to inform conversations that matter.

As opposition to data centers continued to mount across the state, a Stockton Poll found that more than half (56%) of voters would support a ban on the facilities in their town and 49% believe data centers do communities more harm than good. Just 8% said they benefit local communities. Voters also expressed strong support for regulations, with 84% in favor of requiring data centers to supply new sources of power rather than relying on the existing electric grid and more than 8 in 10 in support of stricter environmental and energy-efficiency standards.

As voters made their voices heard, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a statewide plan in late May establishing new guardrails for data center development, including greater transparency around energy and water use, stronger community benefit agreements, and requirements that developers contribute to the infrastructure needed to support growing demand.

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life and the economy, New Jersey voters remain deeply skeptical about its long-term impact. A Stockton Poll found that 74% of voters believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates, while only 7% expect a net gain in employment. A plurality of voters (41%) also believe society's increased use of AI will make their lives worse, up from 36% in a 2024 Stockton Poll.

Those findings mirror national trends. According to Pew Research Center, Americans are far more likely to feel concerned than excited about AI, and workers express significant anxiety about its effect on future employment. The results highlight how concerns about job displacement, economic security, and technological changes have elevated AI from a technology issue to a major public policy debate.

Children's online safety has emerged as a major policy priority in New Jersey. In March, Governor Mikie Sherrill highlighted her Kids' Online Safety Agenda, including the creation of a new Office of Youth Online Mental Health Safety, funding for a Social Media Research Center, and support for legislation championed by Assemblywoman Andrea Katz that would require warning labels on social media platforms, strengthen privacy protections for minors, limit targeted advertising to children, and give parents greater oversight.

A Stockton Poll conducted shortly afterwards found overwhelming public support for many of these proposals. Large majorities of New Jersey voters supported requiring warning labels about potential mental health risks and stricter default privacy settings for minors. Support for stronger online safeguards was broad and bipartisan, reflecting widespread concern about the effects of social media on youth mental health and well-being.

As public sentiment began to shift in recent years, a Stockton Poll in February found New Jersey voters increasingly supportive of immigration and concerned about aggressive enforcement tactics. Two-thirds of voters said immigration enforcement efforts in the country have gone too far, and 59% said ICE deportation tactics are making communities less safe. At the same time, more than 8 in 10 voters supported expanding legal pathways for immigration.

The poll found New Jersey voters were divided on the state's role in immigration enforcement. Nearly half (48%) supported limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, while 43% opposed such policies.

Those questions moved from public opinion to state policy in March, when Governor Mikie Sherrill signed three immigration-related bills into law. The legislation codified New Jersey's Immigrant Trust Directive, limiting when state and local law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration authorities and strengthened privacy protections related to immigration status.

Measuring What Matters:

About Stockton Polling

Stockton Polling is managed by Hughes Center Assistant Director and head of research Alyssa Maurice. In addition to conducting independent polling on issues of importance throughout New Jersey, the Center also supports faculty research through its Public Policy Research Fellows program and is available for contracted research services for government agencies or private clients.

By delivering timely, transparent, and nonpartisan data, the Stockton Polling Institute continues to elevate civic dialogue and provide valuable insight to policymakers, media, and the public.