A new poll shows a majority of northern Virginia residents will vote "yes" to hike the sales tax to pay for transportation improvements.

NEWS4's Mason-Dixon poll surveyed 402 likely voters about the ballot question that dominates this political season in northern Virginia. The referendum asks voters to decide whether to hike the sales tax from the current 4.5 cents on the dollar to 5 cents to fund regional road and transit projects.

The poll shows 52 percent of those sampled would vote in favor of the tax hike, and 39 percent say they plan to vote against it. Only 9 percent said they were undecided. The margin of error is plus or minus 5 percent.

Both supporters and opponents found something they liked in the poll. Opponents to higher taxes are not discouraged by the poll results. They argue that, traditionally, many of the "yes " votes evaporate on Election Day.

"If you go back and look at these referenda, you'll see that the 'yes' side is always ahead for tax increase. But, the margin's too small for that," said Peter Ferrara, a referendum opponent.

NEWS4 spoke with some voters Wednesday who say they still haven't made up their minds. But, most of the people in our informal sample lean toward a "yes" vote.

"Traffic is terrible in the northern Virginia area. I think actually it would help, if the money was used appropriately," said Cynthia Poe, a resident of Falls Church, Va.

"I'm probably going to vote 'yes' because of the traffic situation here, and how difficult it is to get around. I try to get home by 3 o'clock so I can avoid the rush-hour traffic," said Maureen Shaprio of Falls Church.

NEWS4 reports a breakdown within the region reveals that voters in the city of Alexandria and the counties of Arlington and Fairfax favor the tax hike, but residents in Prince William and Loudoun counties are not sold on the proposition. There, more voters would cast a "no" ballot, and there are more undecided voters.

While the NEWS4 Poll showed support for the sales tax hike, it also revealed some contradictions. When voters were asked whether they feel the increase will improve traffic congestion, 59 percent said "no." When asked whether there are other ways to better fund regional transportation improvement, 54 percent replied "yes."

Referendum opponents say the numbers suggest that voters support many of their arguments.

"By 59 percent to 33 percent, they say they don't think the increased sales tax is going to improve transportation. And they're right. In fact, most of these projects won't be in operation for eight to 10 years down the road," said Ferrara.

Anti-sprawl and conservation groups who also oppose the sales tax increase say those answers reveal a skepticism that translates into soft support. Referendum supporters disagree.

"As people look at individual projects on the list, and recognize that these are projects that can be funded with this referendum, [they] will say, 'Hmm, that will make a difference in my commute,' " said John Milliken, a referendum supporter. Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Mark Warner released some new information Wednesday about the upcoming budget cuts.

The commonwealth has a budget shortfall that is approaching $2 billion. Warner said every state agency can expect budget cuts of at least 5 percent.

Warner says every state agency can expect cuts of at least 5 percent when he announces a package of emergency budget cuts next month. But some cuts may range as high as 15 percent and some agencies could be eliminated altogether.

Last Friday, state agencies submitted their proposals for reducing their operating budgets. Warner says his advisers will examine them, and then he will announce the final cuts on Oct. 15.

The governor has already said some the proposals include painful choices. Some options include closing facilities, reducing service hours and cutting aid to local governments and individuals, according to the governor's office.