Maryland voters trust local government most on spending, UMBC poll finds

A recent poll conducted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in partnership with the Maryland Municipal League surveyed 710 Maryland voters on their news consumption and trust in government spending decisions.

The poll found that many Maryland voters keep up with state and local news throughout the day, with 39% reporting they follow news all day, 28% in the evening, and 20% in the morning. News consumption habits varied by age group.

Social media emerged as the primary source for state and local government news, with 72% of voters relying on platforms accessible on their phones. This aligns with the preference for news that fits conveniently into daily routines.

Importantly, Maryland voters expressed the highest trust in local government officials when it comes to decisions about local services and spending, more so than state or federal leaders, according to the UMBC poll.

The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 3.7%, and the UMBC Institute of Politics highlighted the importance of community-focused research in understanding voter perspectives in Maryland.