Poll: Linn County Casino Vote Looks to be a Close One, But Exactly How Close is Unclear

A new poll sent out to the media from the Just Say No Casino group that opposes the Linn County Casino vote has the projected vote at too close to call: with 49 percent of voters supporting the casino measure, 47 percent opposing, and 4 percent remaining undecided. (link to polling memo)

The poll was reportedly conducted by David Binder Research, a national polling consultant. The amount of undecided voters, plus the large (5 percent) margin of error, means it should be taken with a grain of salt. Here is the consultant's conclusion about the election:

When voters are introduced to arguments being made by both sides of the casino debate, opinion is essentially unchanged. This indicates that the election will likely be won by the side which best motivates its supporters to come to the polls and cast a ballot on the March 5th election.

In their release to the media, the Just Say No Coalition argued that this survey shows indecision on the part of the public:

“It’s clear that voters remain skeptical of Steve Gray’s casino plan,” said Just Say No coalition member Todd Henderson.

Proponents say the casino, which is estimated to cost $80 million, will add jobs and prosperity to the area still recovering from the flood of 2008. Opponents say it will hurt rather than help local business and cannibalize from other local casinos, specifically Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, which is about an hour south, as well as the Meskwaki Casino to the north.