BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Fresh polling data released by the North Dakota News Cooperative on Tuesday reveals a strong desire among North Dakota voters for increased transparency and accountability concerning the Legacy Fund, established in 2010 through taxes levied on oil and gas production.

According to the poll, North Dakotans are advocating for substantial changes in managing the fund. A significant 68 percent majority of voters believe that the State Investment Board should prioritize investing a majority of the funds within the state, diverging from the current practice of investing both out of state and internationally.

Dr. Trevor Smith, Chief Research Officer at WPA Intelligence, the organization behind the poll, emphasized the clarity of the results. He stated, “These findings unequivocally demonstrate the desire of North Dakotans for significant policy adjustments and a clear vision for the utilization of their sovereign wealth fund.”

Additionally, the poll indicates that 60 percent of voters favor allocating more of the Legacy Fund towards economic development initiatives, shifting focus away from returns generated by investments in stocks and bonds.

The North Dakota News Cooperative highlighted another noteworthy finding: 59 percent of voters are receptive to utilizing the Legacy Fund for purposes such as property tax relief, expanding the scope beyond conventional investment parameters.

The survey, which sampled 500 eligible and likely voters, underscores the sentiments of North Dakotans regarding the management and allocation of the state’s Legacy Fund.