EPIC/MRA Statewide Survey

Last fall, EPIC/MRA, a Lansing based survey research firm, conducted a survey with voters in Michigan about federal, state and local issues.

Voters were asked a variety of questions including their opinions concerning Michigan's billboards.  A majority of the respondents favored legislation that would reduce the number of new billboards located along Michigan highways and expressways.

Thinking about the number of billboards along major Michigan highways and expressways, generally speaking, do you feel there are too many, too few, or just about the right number of billboards?

37%  Too many
 2%  Too few
50%  About the right number
11%  Undecided/don’t know

Between 1972 and the present day, the number of billboard signs along major Michigan highways and expressways has increased from 6,100 to about 14,000, and permits have been issued for several thousand more billboards that could be erected at any time.  Knowing this, let me ask you again – do you feel there are too many, too few or just about the right number of billboards?

53%  Too many
 3%  Too few
34%  About the right number
10%  Undecided/don’t know

Would you favor or oppose legislation that would ban any new billboards on Michigan highways and expressways, keeping in mind that the proposed legislation would no way affect existing billboard?

38%  Strongly favor
23%  Somewhat favor
13%  Somewhat oppose
15%  Strong oppose
11%  Undecided/don’t know

As you may know, current law allows logo signs at freeway interchanges to inform motorists of what gas, good, lodging and camping options are available at upcoming exits.  Would you favor or oppose legislation that would allow tourist attractions to be included on these logo signs, thereby reducing the need for billboards to advertise tourist spots?

47%  Strongly favor
29%  Somewhat favor
 6%  Somewhat oppose
10%  Strongly oppose
 9%  Undecided/don’t know