Case StudyAdvocacy Organizations

A trusted read on North Carolina, year after year.

How Change Research became Carolina Forward's primary polling partner and one of the most cited sources in North Carolina politics.

3+ yearsprimary polling partner
Statewideraces & voter sentiment
Carolina Forward
The Challenge

Carolina Forward is an advocacy organization focused on North Carolina politics. To shape statewide policy debates and stay ahead of emerging issues, it needed rigorous, credible public opinion research it could field both on a regular cadence and on short notice — research solid enough to stand up to media scrutiny and to anchor the organization’s growing reputation as a polling source.

That meant a partner who could deliver both depth and speed: in-depth surveys on the issues defining the state, and rapid-response polling fast enough to capture public opinion the moment the political landscape shifted.

The Approach

Over more than three years, Change Research has served as Carolina Forward’s primary polling partner, conducting a wide range of surveys on statewide races and voter sentiment.

That work has spanned rapid-response polling — including a snap poll fielded within days of North Carolina Republicans introducing a 12-week abortion ban — as well as in-depth surveys on working class and labor issues, reproductive rights, cannabis legalization, and candidate matchups across major state offices. Most recently, Change Research conducted polling for Carolina Forward in September 2025 and January 2026, tracking the competitive U.S. Senate race between Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley, along with North Carolina Supreme Court races.

The Results
3+ yearsAS PRIMARY POLLING PARTNER
StatewideRACE & ISSUE COVERAGE
NYT + MoreNATIONAL MEDIA PICKUP
RapidSNAP-POLL TURNAROUND

Change Research’s polling for Carolina Forward has become a widely cited resource in North Carolina politics, with results covered by outlets including the New York Times, Charlotte Observer, Newsweek, and The Guardian. By pairing a steady cadence of statewide research with rapid-response capability, Change Research has helped Carolina Forward reveal public opinion trends that shape statewide policy, draw attention to emerging issues, and grow into one of the most respected polling sources in the state.

At every step, the Change Research team is reliable, rigorous, helpful, and easy to work with. Our polling has revealed public opinion trends that have shaped statewide policy.
Blair Reeves
Blair Reeves
Founder and Chairman, Carolina Forward
Success

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