Most Maryland voters say they are paying too much in taxes, but when it comes to trusting someone with that money, they are putting their faith in city hall and the county courthouse, not Annapolis or Washington. A newly released poll of 710 Maryland voters found that about 61% believe they pay too much in both state and federal taxes, while 57% say their local taxes are too high.
The survey, conducted by UMBC in partnership with the Maryland Municipal League, polled voters from November 5 to November 9, according to Conduit Street. Despite the widespread frustration over tax bills, the poll found a clear trust gap favoring local government: 57% of respondents said they trust their city, town or county government most to make decisions about local services and spending, compared with just 18% who pointed to state government in Annapolis and 6% who chose the federal government, according to FOX Baltimore.
As reported by WBFF, the findings arrive as Marylanders continue to grapple with a tax burden that ranks among the heaviest in the country. A recent WalletHub analysis placed Maryland seventh among the 50 states for overall tax burden and third for income tax burden specifically, the station noted.
Why Local Trust Runs So Deep
The poll also found that 86% of respondents rated basic services — things like trash removal, law enforcement and water systems — as very important, according to the same Conduit Street report. That emphasis on tangible, everyday services may help explain why voters lean so heavily on local officials when it comes to trust, even while grumbling about the size of their tax bills…