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A recent text message poll is asking voters views on Measure S — the Fresno County tax measure for transportation projects — and Measure D, a city of Fresno-only tax measure for the city’s general fund.
Right now, it’s a mystery who has put the poll out in the field.
The questions come from polling agency Luce Research, based out of Colorado Springs, Colo., who texted the survey to voters on the week of Aug. 17. The company would not comment, citing client privacy.
The Yes on S campaign would not comment if they are behind the poll. The information could be revealed when the next campaign finance report is released, due Sept. 24.
Measure S, the half-cent countywide sales tax proposal, will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. A Fresno County judge ruled Monday that voters would see the measure in November, not March 2028 as a majority of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors wanted.
Former Fresno Mayor Alan Autry, left, talks with former state Assemblyman Juan Arambula, at the Yes on Measure S campaign kickoff at Vinland Park in Fresno on Sept. 9, 2026. David Taub The Fresno Bee What is the poll asking?
The poll, sent via text message, starts with several demographic questions such as age range, gender, income and if whether the poll-taker lives in a city or not.
Questions also include where a respondent is on the political spectrum — from liberal to conservative — and voted in the 2024 presidential election.
The survey also asked how much the respondent trusts various names and organizations, including former Fresno Mayor Alan Autry, Clovis Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck, labor unions, and public safety professionals.
Autry said he supports Measure S. He called it “an investment, not really a tax.”
“You just got to get this thing done because you don’t know what’s going to be around the corner in two years,” Autry said.
Carmela Sosa, a pediatrician listed with Valley Children’s Healthcare, is also listed, asking how much respondents would trust her views. Sosa is a member of the Central Valley Community Foundation board. CVCF contributed $810,000 the Measure S campaign.
Messages to Sosa, and CVCF were not returned.
The survey also asks whether certain arguments would sway a respondent to vote yes or no on Measure S. Statements include keeping tax dollars local, prioritizing to fix the worst roads, and creating new jobs.
At several points, the survey asks how the respondent would vote on both Measure S and Measure D — yes, no, would not vote, or don’t know.
Screenshot from a recent survey sent via text to voters about Measure S. Screenshot Questions about city tax measure
The survey also asks questions about Measure D, the city of Fresno-only tax measure. While Measure S is dedicated to transportation projects, Measure D would go to the city’s general fund and could be spent anyway the city council chooses.
Questions included if a respondent would vote for Measure D, using the exact language that will appear on the ballot. The survey followed with statements of both support and opposition.
One statement of support said the measure is needed “to ensure there is no lapse in funding for maintaining local streets, roads, and sidewalks.” A statement of opposition included funds could go to a “slush fund.” The survey then asks if those statements would change a respondent’s mind.
A spokesperson for Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said the recent poll did not come out of their office. The city usually uses another firm, FM3.
Prior to the Fresno City Council voting to place Measure D on the ballot in July, the city commissioned in its own poll, conducted by FM3. Dyer estimated it cost the city $33,000. The Bee is waiting on the city to release the poll questions and results after filing a Public Records Act request.
Measure D has a sunset provision — it would cease in either 10 years or if a countywide measure such as Measure S were to pass. If voters approve both Measure D and Measure S, only Measure S would go into effect.
The Fresno Bee
David joined The Fresno Bee in 2026 as Civic Watchdog Reporter. He covers elected officials from the Central Valley and the ins and outs of local elections and politics. David also keeps a sharp eye on how your local tax dollars are spent. David previously worked at GV Wire for 10 years. Born in Los Altos, California, David graduated from the University of Michigan and has lived in Fresno for two decades with his family.