Polling and the 2024 Election with Jeremy Zogby of John Zogby Strategies
August 29, 2024The U.S. Economy: More People Displeased Than Pleased
September 12, 2024As the 2024 presidential election draws nearer, there seems to be a new poll released daily detailing who voters are picking to be the next president. One thing that none of the polls seem to get into is the “why” behind people’s selection.
In part 2 of our blog series on the upcoming election, we asked people not only who they planned to vote for, but why they were making that selection. The options were: Democratic Nominee (at the time Kamala + Harris had not been named yet), Donald Trump, Undecided, Alternative Candidate, and None of the above. Here are the top reasons why people say they were making their selection.
Democratic Nominee
Opposition to Donald Trump
Many respondents expressed their choice was driven by a strong dislike or opposition to Donald Trump, often mentioning they would vote for the Democratic nominee simply to prevent Trump from being re-elected.
- “Anybody but Trump; I just want him out of office.”
- “I am voting for the Democratic nominee because I cannot stand Trump.”
Alignment with the Democratic Values
Respondents often mentioned that their values and beliefs align more closely with the Democratic Party, particularly on issues like healthcare, social justice, and climate change.
- “I’m a Democrat and I support their policies on healthcare and social justice.”
- “The Democratic Party aligns more with my values on climate change and equality.”
Party Loyalty
A significant portion of respondents indicated that they identify as Democrats and typically vote for the party’s nominee regardless of the candidate, emphasizing a sense of loyalty to the party.
- “I’ve always voted Democrat, and I will again this election.”
- “I am loyal to the Democratic Party and will support whoever the nominee is.”
Policy Preferences
Specific policies, such as support for immigration reform, maintaining democratic norms, and addressing income inequality, were frequently cited as reasons for supporting the Democratic nominee.
- “I support the Democrats’ stance on immigration and social programs.”
- “Their policies on education and healthcare are why I’m voting for them.”
Desire for Stability and Experience
Some respondents mentioned a desire for stability and experienced leadership, particularly in contrast to the perceived unpredictability of the Trump administration.
- “I believe the Democratic nominee will bring stability and experience back to the White House.”
- “We need a steady hand, and the Democratic candidate is the best option for that.”
Donald Trump
Strong leadership & Boldness
Many respondents highlighted Trump’s boldness and his willingness to stand up for what he believes in as key reasons for their support. They appreciated his assertive leadership style and felt that he effectively represented their views and interests.
- “He’s bold and stands up for what he believes in.”
- “I believe in his ideas and methods; he’s a strong leader.”
Economic Performance
A significant number of respondents cited the economy as a primary reason for supporting Trump. They believed that the economy was stronger under his leadership, with mentions of job creation, tax cuts, and overall economic growth.
- “Because when we had President Donald Trump in office, the economy was booming.”
- “He’s proven he can bring back jobs and grow the economy.”
Opposition to Democrats
Many respondents expressed strong opposition to the Democratic Party, blaming them for various issues facing the country. They viewed Trump as a necessary counterbalance to what they saw as harmful Democratic policies.
- “Democrats have ruined this country, and Trump is the only one who can fix it.”
- “The Democratic Party is in disarray, and we need Trump back to restore order.”
Immigration and Border Control
Immigration was frequently mentioned, with respondents supporting Trump’s strict stance on border control and his efforts to reduce illegal immigration. They felt that his policies were crucial for national security and protecting American jobs.
- “He’s the only one tough enough on immigration.”
- “We need stronger border control, and Trump will get it done.”
Support for Traditional Values
Some respondents mentioned their alignment with Trump’s stance on traditional values, including his positions on law and order, religious freedoms, and the preservation of American culture.
- “I support his stance on law and order and protecting American values.”
- “He stands for the traditional values that this country was built on.”
Undecided
Dislike or Distrust in Both Major Parties
A significant number of respondents indicated that they were undecided because they dislike or distrust both the Republican and Democratic parties. They felt that neither party represented their interests or values, leading to uncertainty about whom to support.
- “I dislike both ‘parties’ and think there are more viable options out there.”
- “Neither party seems to care about what the average person thinks or needs.”
Lack of Convincing Candidates
Many respondents were undecided because they did not find any of the candidates compelling or trustworthy. They were waiting for more information, debates, or clarity on the candidates’ positions before making a decision.
- “Honestly, I have never voted in a presidential election because I don’t feel like there’s anyone worth voting for.”
- “None of the candidates have convinced me they are the right choice yet.”
Frustration with the Political System
Some respondents expressed frustration with the overall political system, feeling that it was flawed or corrupt. This dissatisfaction made it difficult for them to commit to a candidate.
- “The whole system feels rigged and corrupt, so I’m not sure if it even matters who I vote for.”
- “Politics has become a mess, and I don’t trust any of the candidates to fix it.”
Limited Engagement or Experience with Voting
A portion of the undecided respondents mentioned that they had little experience with voting or had never voted before in a presidential election. This lack of engagement contributed to their indecision.
- “I’ve never really been involved in politics, so I’m not sure what to do.”
- “This will be my first time voting, and I’m not sure what to look for in a candidate.”
Hesitation to Commit Early
Some respondents were hesitant to make an early decision, preferring to wait until closer to the election to see how the candidates’ campaigns develop and how key issues are addressed.
- “I’m waiting to see how the candidates handle the upcoming debates before making my decision.”
- “It’s still too early for me to decide; I want to see where they all stand on important issues.”
Other
Support for Alternative Candidates
Many respondents expressed support for alternative candidates who were either independent or from third parties. Some mentioned specific names like Kamala Harris or Robert Kennedy, indicating a preference for candidates who they felt represented their values better than the major party nominees.
- “I like Robert Kennedy because he’s an independent thinker.”
- “I prefer candidates who bring fresh perspectives outside of the major parties.”
Dissatisfaction with Major Party Candidates
A common reason for choosing ‘Other’ was dissatisfaction with the major party candidates, such as Trump and Biden. Respondents felt that neither of the main options aligned with their views or offered the leadership they desired.
- “Both major parties fail to address the real issues.”
- “I don’t like the choices provided by the major parties; they don’t represent my views.”
Interest in Specific Issues
Some respondents chose ‘Other’ because of their interest in specific issues that they felt were better addressed by alternative candidates. These issues included reproductive rights, racial equality, and gender equality, among others.
- “I support candidates who are strong on reproductive rights and racial equality.”
- “No one is talking about the issues that matter to me, like healthcare reform.”
Desire for Political Change
There was a theme of wanting to see change in the political landscape, with respondents feeling that alternative candidates could bring fresh perspectives and policies that were not being offered by the traditional candidates.
- “We need fresh perspectives, and the current candidates don’t offer that.”
- “It’s time for a change, and third-party candidates can bring that.”
Frustration with the Political System
Some respondents indicated a general frustration with the political system, leading them to seek out candidates outside of the mainstream as a way to express their discontent.
- “The system is broken, and none of the major candidates can fix it.”
- “I’m tired of the status quo, so I’m voting for someone outside the mainstream.”
Voter motivations for the 2024 presidential election can be varied and complex. Whether driven by party loyalty, policy preferences, or dissatisfaction with the current political landscape, voters are approaching the election with strong convictions. As campaigns progress and issues evolve, understanding these motivations will be key to predicting how the election unfolds.
As you are coming up on Election season, be sure to consider how EMI can help you. We offer you the ability to reach voter panels that have captured hundreds of variables that address all of your political research and polling needs. With over 1 million verified panelists with attributes across key political, behavioral, and socio-economic variables – we allow you to tap into the target audience you want.
