South Carolina Tobacco Collaborative

Cigarette Tax

500 registered, likely voters across South Carolina were polled on their opinions regarding an increase in South Carolina’s per-pack cigarette tax in December, 2008.

They represent an even mix of Republicans, Democrats and Independents; of ages; and of smokers, former smokers and non-smokers.

Here is what they had to say:

TOPLINE:
South Carolina voters strongly support a 93-cent per pack increase in the state cigarette tax to help fund programs to reduce tobacco use among kids as well as programs to increase access to health care for South Carolinians.

There is no difference in support between the 93-cent and 50-cent proposals. Support for both specific tobacco tax increases tested is broad-based, and cuts across party, regional, and ideological lines.

DETAILS:

South Carolina voters favor increasing the state cigarette tax 93-cents per pack.  Support for a 93-cent increase is about equal to that for a 50-cent increase:

•  74% of South Carolina voters favor increasing the state cigarette tax 93-cents per pack.
• 60% of South Carolina voters strongly favor increasing the state cigarette tax 93 cents per pack.
• 75% of South Carolina voters favor increasing the state cigarette tax 50-cents per pack
• 54% of South Carolina voters strongly favor increasing the state cigarette tax 50-cents per pack.

Voters across party lines support the 93-cents per pack cigarette tax increase:

• 77% of Democrats
  
• 72% of Republicans
• 70% of Independents

And across ideologies:

• 74% of conservatives support a 93-cent per pack tax increase
• 73% of moderates
• 74% of liberals

Voters throughout the state support the increase:

• 80% in the Low Country
• 78% in the Midlands
• 71% in the Upstate
• 67% in the Pee Dee region

A majority of voters under and over aged 50 support the 93-cent measure:

• 78% aged 18-49
•  69% over aged 50

Voters are more likely to support a candidate who supports a 93-cent increase in the state cigarette tax:

• 53% more likely to support a candidate supporting the 93-cent per pack increase
• 14% less likely to support a candidate supporting the 93-cent per pack increase

Voters support using the funds generated to reduce tobacco use amongst children, increase the number of adults who quit smoking, and fund state medical costs:

• 80% support using the tax funds generated to fund programs to reduce tobacco use amongst kids and helping adults quit
• 81% support using the tax increase to fund Medicaid healthcare services for low income residents
• 88% support using the funds to expand access to healthcare in the state
• 82% support using the funds to provide employers with incentives to provide health coverage for their employees.

They support using the funds for tobacco prevention and healthcare more than to fund non-smoking related costs:

• 62% agree with the statement, "Cigarette tax revenues should be used to reduce tobacco use among kids and to expand access to healthcare."
• 34% agree with the statement, "Cigarette tax revenues should be used to reduce other state taxes."

 

POLL DETAILS

Polling Dates:  December 9th & 11th, 2008
Sample:  Random sample of 500 registered, likely voters across South Carolina
Margin of Error:  +/-4.38% in 95 out of 100 cases.
Pollster: Public Opinion Strategies - Winner of "Pollster of the Year" Campaign Excellence Award from the American Association of Political Consultants for work done during the 2002 elections. Partner and co-founder, Glen Bolger, identified as "pollster of choice for House and Senate Republicans" by Roll Call newspaper (covering Capitol Hill).