Listening Lab 2024 By the Numbers: Here's what you had to say leading up to primary election night
The data comes from our online survey and in-person events around Central Georgia.
13WMAZ's Listening Lab has wrapped up for the May primary election cycle and we have compiled, counted and tabulated your surveys and are ready to share the results with you.
In March and April, the 13WMAZ Listening Lab parked in Bibb and Houston Counties and you had plenty to say about the issues where you live.
We collected more than 280 surveys online and more than 320 in person at our various in-person Listening Labs for more than 600 total surveys.
Here is a look at Listening Lab 2024 by the numbers and a look at our coverage influenced by your concerns:
Number 1 Issue Violent Crime
The number one issue on voters' minds this election cycle has been violent crime. 400 people selected it as one of their top 5 issues, the most of any issue by more than 30 points. 161 of those came from online submissions while 239 of our in-person submission highlighted it as one of their top 5 choices.
We took those results to candidates in Macon-Bibb and Houston County in the race for sheriff. Each candidate was given the chance to explain how they would handle violent crime in the area.
Number 2 Issue Inflation
When it comes to inflation more than 60% of survey-takers listed it as one of their top 5 concerns. It is clearly an issue impacting Central Georgia residents.
Number 3 Issue Ethics in Government
314 people chose this as one of their top 5 issues which comes in at just over half of all the participants who took the survey. It is also highly ranked regardless of which county people lived in.
13WMAZ did multiple deep dives into candidates this election cycle examining their history including brushes with the law and internal affairs in both sheriff's races and the Macon-Bibb Mayor's race.
Macon Mayor's Race
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RELATED: Incident reports, court documents detail history of Macon mayoral candidate's brushes with the law
Bibb County Sheriff's Race
Houston County Sheriff's Race
RELATED: 'I deserved to be reprimanded': Slate Simons discusses record of discipline and suspensions
RELATED: Houston sheriff waives political involvement, activity policy to let employee run for public office
RELATED: Timecard shows candidate took annual leave for campaign rally at the Houston County Sheriff's Office
Pulaski County Sheriff's Race
RELATED: Pulaski Sheriff candidates meet and greet voters at community forum. Here's what they all agree on
Number 4 Issue Immigration
44% of folks taking the survey listed immigration as one of their top five concerns. This comes out to 265 people.
Number 5 Issue Healthcare
Finally, 259 people or 43% chose Healthcare Cost and Access as the last of the top five issues across Central Georgia.
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County-By-County Results A look behind the numbers
Bibb County
Top 5 issues:
- Violent Crime
- Road Conditions
- Poverty/Homelessness
- Inflation
- Good-paying jobs
Houston County
Top 5 issues:
- Inflation
- Violent Crime
- Ethics in Government
- Healthcare Cost and Access
- Immigration
Peach County
Top 5 issues:
- Immigration
- Ethics in Government
- Inflation
- Healthcare Cost and Access
- Violent Crime
Jones County
Top 5 issues:
- Inflation
- Immigration
- Federal/State Spending
- Violent Crime
- Taxes
Crawford County
Top 5 issues:
- Ethics in Government
- Federal/State Spending
- Inflation
- Taxes
- Violent Crime
Monroe County
Top 5 issues:
- Road Conditions
- Federal/State Spending
- Public Safety Pay and Staffing
- Inflation
- Violent Crime
Dodge County
Top 5 issues:
- Violent Crime
- Taxes
- Road Conditions
- Mental Healthcare Cost and Access
- Inflation
Laurens County
Top 5 issues:
- Ethics in Government
- Protection of Natural Resources
- Healthcare Cost and Access
- Poverty and Homelessness
- Mental Healthcare Cost and Access
Baldwin County
Top 5 issues:
- Immigration
- Healthcare Cost and Access
- Public Safety Pay and Staffing
- Taxes
- Violent Crime
Johnson County
Top 5 issues:
- Violent Crime
- Mental Healthcare Cost and Access
- Healthcare Cost and Access
- Good-paying Jobs
- Public Services
Twiggs County
Top 5 issues:
- Inflation
- Immigration
- Violent Crime
- Taxes
- Good-paying Jobs
Bleckley County
Top 5 issues:
- Immigration
- Inflation
- Gun Rights
- Ethics in Government
- Federal/State Spending
Taylor County
Top 5 issues:
- Inflation
- Housing Costs
- Immigration
- Gun Rights
- Road Conditions
Wilkinson County
Top 5 issues:
- Ethics in Government
- Blight
- Federal/State Spending
- Support for Schools
- Violent Crime
Macon County
Top 5 issues:
- Good-paying Jobs
- Healthcare Cost and Access
- Inflation
- Immigration
- Taxes
Dooly County
Top 5 issues:
- Violent Crimes
- Taxes
- Support for Schools
- Gun Rights
- Poverty and Homelessness
Washington County
Top 5 issues:
- Gun Rights
- Housing Costs
- Inflation
- Mental Healthcare and Access
- Violent Crime