Roughly half a year until the Louisiana elections, and a new poll finds crime is the top issue for voters. The next closest issue, the economy, trails by double-digits.
The JMC Analytics poll asked more than 600 likely Louisiana voters what their number-one concern is, and crime was at the top with 40 percent. The economy came in second at 27 percent, and education was third with 14 percent. All other issues, like healthcare, the environment, and taxes were in single digits.
Pollster John Couvillon says crime commands headlines not just in New Orleans, but the rest of the state, too.
"And I think that the publicity from that, as well as the occurrence of these more-violent crimes, is what is driving it to the top of the most important issue for voters," said Couvillon.
The poll also showed voters view violent and non-violent crime differently -- favoring diversion programs and second chances for non violent, low level offenses, versus long prison terms for violent criminals.
"Voters are willing to take a nuanced take on what to do," said Couvillon. "They're separating out the punishments they think are appropriate for non-violent offenders versus appropriate for violent offenders."
He says it shows while residents may favor tougher punishments for violent criminals, they are also open to second chances for non violent convicts who have served their time, and undergone rehabilitation programs.
Click here to read the entire poll and its results.
