Local political polarization is rising sharply ahead of the midterms, survey finds

Local officials from around the country are reporting a spike in political polarization within their communities in the months leading up to the midterm elections, with the high cost of living a top driver, a new survey shared first with NBC News has found.

The results of the survey, conducted over the summer by the nonprofit research firm CivicPulse, show that 41% of local officials reported “substantial negative effects” of polarization, about a 10-point spike from the organization’s three previous surveys. The reported polarization differed depending on the size of the community. Forty-nine percent of local officials in towns with more than 50,000 residents reported more polarization, compared to 39% of local officials in smaller communities.

In interviews with NBC News, survey participants provided examples of the kind of tensions they’re seeing. One described residents venting their frustrations at local officials over national issues like rising gas prices that are out of their control. Another recalled how an immigration arrest sent shock waves through the community, leading to protests and clashes with federal authorities. A third local official even considered giving up her position over the hostility she has faced doing her job.

Still, the survey found that local officials…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business