Maryland voters trust local governments most on spending, UMBC & MML poll finds

Many Maryland voters say they keep up with state and local news throughout the day, and they’re most likely to trust local government over state or federal leaders when it comes to decisions about local services and spending, according to new polling released today by a new UMBC Poll.

The UMBC Poll, in partnership with the Maryland Municipal League, surveyed 710 Maryland voters from Thursday, Nov. 5 to Monday, Nov. 9, 2026.

The poll reported a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7%. The UMBC Institute of Politics thanked the Maryland Municipal League for its partnership and investment in community-focused research in Maryland.

The poll asked voters when they most often watch, read or listen to state and local news. Overall, 39% said “all throughout the day,” 28% said evening, 20% said morning, 6% said midday and 5% said late night.

Those habits varied by age. Among voters ages 18-34, 29% said all throughout the day, while 44% said evening. Among voters ages 35-54, 47% said all throughout the day and 18% said evening. Among voters ages 55 and older, 39% said all throughout the day, 26% said evening and 25% said morning.

“For many Maryland voters, keeping up with state and local news isn’t tied to a particular time of day, and those habits vary in part by age,” said Mileah Kromer, director of the UMBC Institute of Politics. “Consistent with their consumption habits, the sources Maryland voters rely on most are the ones that fit in their pocket, available on their phones whenever they want to check in.”

When asked where they regularly get news about state and local government, 72% of voters cited social media, 65% cited newspapers (in print or online), 62% cited friends, family or neighbors, and 60% cited local television news. Smaller shares cited elected officials or government websites (45%), local radio (42%) and podcasts (32%).

The poll also found that most Maryland voters view their communities positively. Seventy-seven percent rated their community — defined as their neighborhood or the area right around their home — as excellent or good, while 23% rated it as fair or poor.

Voters were asked how important it is to live in a community with certain amenities and services, regardless of whether they are currently available where they live. The share calling each item “very important” included services such as trash removal, law enforcement or a water system (86%); dedicated police or fire departments (80%); a good place to raise children (67%); access to recreational parks and trails (63%); sidewalks (56%); events such as farmers’ markets, parades, arts and music, and a vibrant downtown (51%); and a strong sense of community pride (47%).

On taxes, the poll found that even when asked to consider the programs and services they receive, a majority of Maryland voters said they pay “too much” in state, federal and local taxes. Sixty-one percent said they pay too much in state taxes, 61% said they pay too much in federal taxes, and 57% said they pay too much in local taxes.

When it comes to decisions about local services and how tax dollars are spent, voters expressed the most trust in the level of government closest to them. Fifty-seven percent said they trust local city, town or county government the most, compared with 18% who chose state government in Annapolis and 6% who chose the federal government in Washington, D.C.

“Marylanders recognize the value of strong local communities, and this poll reinforces something we see every day: trust begins closest to home. When it comes to the services they depend on and how their tax dollars are spent, Marylanders place significantly greater trust in their local governments. That confidence reflects the direct connection between residents and the local leaders who are accountable to them,” said Theresa Kuhns, chief executive officer of the Maryland Municipal League. “It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving local decision-making and ensuring our communities have the tools and resources to shape their own futures.”