2016 Election Polls: Democratic Voter Turnout in Trouble as Millennials Show Lack of Interest
Democratic presidential candidates need to give their voters a reason to turn out and vote. A new report found lack of enthusiasm and interest among Democratic voters, including millennials and unmarried women.
Polling data by the sponsored by Democracy Corps and Women's Voices, Woman Vote Action Fund (WVWVAF) recognized conservatives have shown more interest in the 2016 elections than Democrats. Democrats, with 52 percent, rated their 2016 election interest as "10," which is double-digits lower from the 67 percent from Republican voters.
According to the report, millennials -- also referred to as "Rising American Electorate" (RAE), people of color and unmarried women will comprise of the majority of 2016 election voters for the first time.
"This new American majority carries with them a new American agenda," noted the report.
"These voters demonstrate real doubts about the ability of the government to deliver on the change they need," continued the report titled "A Powerful Agenda for 2016." The disparity in interest among Democratic base groups is a direct threat to their strategy, regardless of the outcome in 2016."
Interest in the election did spark when respondents listened to an agenda that affects their lives and if the government promises to deliver such interests. The respondents' interests included the economy, equal pay, health care, Social Security.
While Democrats have little enthusiasm, the Republicans also encountered their own issues based on the respondents' answers. Respondents indicated the Republican Party's brand has been tarnished due to an unpopular Republican-controlled Congress, especially its congressional leadership.
"In addition, the Republicans have failed to adapt to the collapse in conservative culture," the report revealed, later noting, "as this survey reinforces, the number of voters who describe themselves as conservative has dropped sharply; voters' reactions to pro-life groups, marriage equality and, to a lesser degree, the [National Rifle Association], further reveals this ideological shift."
The Democracy Corps and WVWVAF survey stated, "The Republicans grow increasingly out of touch culturally with the country, a process likely accelerated by their nomination process."
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, widely considered as the frontrunner among the Democratic presidential field, found her electability in trouble. Her favorable rating was 44 percent and 48 percent were unfavorable. Clinton's unfavorable rating increased from 43 percent in the groups' previous polling data in January.
Clinton is still the preferred presidential candidate against Republican names. In a hypothetical match against Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Clinton won with 50 percent to his 41 percent. She also defeated Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker with 50 percent to 43 percent.
"For Democrats, their problem is less about the controversy surrounding their likely nominee -- though the damage done to Clinton's profile is well reflected in this survey -- than giving their voters a reason to turn out in 2016. Their strategy reflects the changing demography of the country, but that strategy depends on sufficient turnout. If the disparity in enthusiasm is not addressed, that strategy is at risk," the report concluded.
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