Elon University Poll: Mixed results on role of race, gender & age in elections
Most North Carolina residents will not allow race, gender and age to
impact their vote in the upcoming presidential election – but more than
half of respondents in the latest Elon University Poll say they know
someone whose decision will be tied to at least one of these
characteristics.
The
poll, conducted April 14-17, 2008, by the Elon University Institute for
Politics and Public Affairs, surveyed 543 North Carolina residents.
The poll has a margin of error of 4.3 percent. The sample is of the
population in general and does not restrict respondents by their voter
eligibility or their likelihood of voting in an election.
The majority of respondents said that some of the factors most heavily
discussed in this year’s presidential race have little impact on how
they vote. With equal factors in place, 91 percent of those surveyed
said that race does not make a difference in how they vote.
Seventy-nine percent said that a candidate’s gender makes no
difference, while 66 percent said they do not factor age into their
decisions.
However, when asked if they knew someone who would not vote for a
candidate based on these attributes, the following responded in the
affirmative:
A presidential candidate who is a woman: 63 percent
A presidential candidate who is black: 54 percent
A presidential candidate who is “too old”: 44 percent
The presidential candidate most identified to be favorable or extremely
favorable was Republican Sen. John McCain with 52 percent, followed by
Democratic Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton with 49 and 44
percent, respectively.
While race, gender and age reportedly have minimal effects on voting
decisions, the top three qualities that citizens said have a lot of
influence in their evaluation of political candidates were:
Overall experience: 54 percent
Exaggerated statements: 41 percent
Personality: 31 percent
On the state level, three gubernatorial candidates are ranked closely
in approval ratings, while Sen. Elizabeth Dole received mixed
evaluations in her bid for reelection.
In the race for state governor, Democrats Beverly Perdue and Richard
Moore were tied in terms of approval, with 31 percent of citizens
saying they approved or strongly approved of the candidates.
Republican Pat McCrory is close behind with a 29 percent approval
rating.
“Across the board, these results illustrate just how close the races
appear to be,” said Hunter Bacot, director of the Elon University Poll.
“With both Democrats and Republicans evaluated similarly, it appears
there will be fierce battles for President and Governor in this
state.”
Fifty-six percent of residents report being satisfied or very satisfied
with incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Dole’s representation of the state.
Forty-seven percent of respondents identify her as favorable or
extremely favorable, a sizable lead over her potential Democratic
opponents.
Kay Hagan received a 21 percent favorable rating, compared to Jim
Neal’s 12 percent. Despite Dole’s lead in this area, nearly half of
respondents – 45 percent – said it is time for a new person to have a
chance at the senatorial seat.
