Post on 14-Apr-2017
ILLINOIS VOTER ATTITUDE SURVEY
About Open Primaries
Illinois Poll ResultsDecember 2015
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Open Primaries represents a movement of Americans working to end partisanship and polarization in politics through reform of the primary election system. We are a national voter empowerment nonprofit that advocates for open, nonpartisan primary systems, counters efforts to impose closed primaries, and builds coalitions of activists across the country. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the American people and government by creating more platforms for voters’ voices to be heard.
Methodology and Respondents■ Open Primaries conducted a statewide phone survey of voters in Illinois from 11 Aug
2015- 11 Nov 2015. Our list consisted of an equal number of registered voters who are self-identified as Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
■ Open Primaries wanted to gauge voters’ opinion on the political environment in Illinois and provide voter education about nonpartisan reform.
■ The survey had 505 respondents, detailed below.
Illinois Poll ResultsDecember 2015
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Respondents’ Self-Identified Affiliations:
Independent 120
Democrat 182
Republican 203Total: 505
Insights and Takeaways
■ Respondents to this survey indicated strong favorability for reform, both of the primary system and redistricting.
■ There was also a strong sense of dissatisfaction with government and the current political environment.
■ Overall, the impression was that voters in Illinois are ready for action and tired of partisan posturing and stonewalling.
Illinois Poll ResultsDecember 2015
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Key Findings
27%
73%
Yes No
Illinois Poll ResultsDecember 2015
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DOES THE CURRENT POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT PRODUCE EFFECTIVE
ELECTED OFFICIALS?
Key FindingsIn Illinois, voters do not have to be members of a political party to vote in the primaries, but
they must choose one party’s ballot. Illinois has nonpartisan voter registration, meaning there is no option for voters to register with parties when signing up to vote. Instead, voters must publically declare party preference at the polls. This is considered a public declaration
and can be challenged by others. In lieu of partisan registration, this public declaration is used by parties to track voters, produce mailing lists, and in some cases even blacklist
‘detractors’.
I think it's fine I think it's a flawed system
Haven't thought much about it
26.58%
38.65% 34.76%
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF
PARTY PREFERENCE?
IL Primary Open Primaries Top Two Closed
15.45%
29.77%
51.82%
2.95%
WHICH PRIMARY SYSTEM DO YOU SUPPORT?
Illinois Poll ResultsDecember 2015
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Key Findings
76%
24%
Would you support a ballot initiative to enact Top Two?
YesNo
We asked our respondents to agree or disagree with the following statement:
The political parties have become too powerful and have rigged the system in their favor. What we need is a nonpartisan Top Two system which would take
power away from the parties and give it back to the voters. This system would force politicians to represent people not parties because candidates have to
appeal to all voters.
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral Somewhat disagree
Strongly Disagree
55.81%
25.28%
4.78% 3.42%10.71%
AGREE OR DISAGREE?
Illinois Poll ResultsDecember 2015
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Additional Findings■ In addition to questions about primaries, we asked the voters about
an ongoing effort by Independent Maps to reform the way legislative districts are drawn.
Illinois Poll ResultsDecember 2015
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42%
58%
Are you aware there's an ef -fort underway to reform the way electoral districts are
drawn?
YesNo
89%
11%
Would you vote for an amendment to create an in-
dependent redistricting commission in Illinois?
YesNo
Adriana EspinozaAssociate Director of Outreachaespinoza@openprimaries.org(646) 350-1125
For more information, contact: