By Alabama Public Radio
Auburn, AL – A new poll shows that more than two-thirds of Alabamians do support a state lottery to benefit public education. The poll found that more than 55 percent of the respondents strongly support an education lottery. Another 14 percent support the idea. About 25 percent either strongly or mildly oppose it. The survey also found that almost 80 percent of respondents said public education should be an urgent or high priority for local and state officials. The random telephone poll of more than 600 voting-age Alabamians was conducted in June by the Center for Governmental Services at Auburn University. Auburn pollster Jim Seroka says opinions on the lottery were not divided by gender, occupation, income or race, but he says political philosophy and party affiliation did seem to play a strong role. Seroka says respondents were not asked their religious affiliation because of an Auburn privacy regulation.