Illinois Voter Survey

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.


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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.


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Key Findings

27%

73%

Yes No


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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?


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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?


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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.


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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 [email protected](646) 350-1125

For more information, contact:

Illinois Voter Survey

Government & Nonprofit

Transcript of Illinois Voter Survey