Prairie State Wire

The results of two recent surveys conducted by Cor Strategies revealed that Illinois voters are overwhelmingly opposed to the Gotion project. 

This proposed plant in Manteno will be a hub for the production of lithium batteries for electric vehicles, backed by a Chinese company.

“By 53% to 27% -- a spread of 26% -- Illinois voters are opposed to the Chinese project,” Wirepoints’ Mark Glennon said on Facebook. “Opposition significantly exceeds support in both parties, all age groups, both sexes and in all regions of the state. For independent voters, opponents outnumber supporters 48% to 28% in the statewide poll and 51% to 16% in the Kankakee poll. Voter opposition in Kankakee County is still stronger, with 59% opposed and 29% supportive -- a spread of 30% -- with 43% “strongly opposed.”

In a statewide poll by Cor Strategies, 53% of voters opposed the project, with 27% in favor when provided with basic information and arguments for and against the plant. This opposition was consistent across party lines, age groups, gender, and all regions of the state, with independent voters opposing the project by a margin of 48% to 28%. In Kankakee County, where the plant is to be located, opposition was even stronger, with 59% of voters opposed and 27% in favor, and 43% strongly opposed. These results suggest that there is widespread skepticism and resistance to the Gotion project, with voters expressing concerns about the Chinese company’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party, environmental issues, and the substantial government subsidies involved in the project.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has come under fire for his decision to fund Gotion significantly using taxpayer money despite warnings from high-ranking Democrats regarding potential espionage risks due to Gotion’s connections with China’s Communist Party. The Governor has also been scrutinized for his lack of transparency when he secured federal subsidies for Gotion despite concerns raised by fellow Democrats about security threats as well as economic and environmental impacts.

Gotion plans have led to controversy due to its demand for $8 billion taxpayer dollars to fund its $2 billion battery factory in Manteno, according to Wirepoints. The residents of Manteno along with concerned citizens from Michigan and North Dakota where similar Gotion battery plants are planned have voiced their concerns. Moreover, a U.S. House committee has also been questioning the decision to fund a company tied to China’s Communist Party.