Poll indicates Kerry support

By Gerold Shelton
November 2, 2004

A non-scientific survey of 25 NIU faculty and staff shows a majority will vote for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry in today’s election.

The surveys showed that three people planned to change their presidential vote from the political party they chose in the 2000 election. In each of the instances, the respondents had previously voted for President George W. Bush.

However, only one of the three planned to vote for Kerry. One was undecided and the other is voting for Libertarian candidate Michael Badnarik.

One reason for a close election this time is a clear distinction in the candidates’ policy views, said Chris Jones, associate professor of political science.

“Because the differences in the two candidates are so great, people are not only supportive of their own candidate but are antagonistic toward the other parties’ candidate,” Jones said.

Almost every survey respondent had strong feelings about their presidential candidate and their party in general. Statistics from DeKalb County showed most voters voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in two out of the past three elections but voted mostly Republican when it came to other state and local offices.

In the 2000 election, Bush beat Al Gore in DeKalb County by 7.04 percent, or 2,341 votes. In the 1992 race, Bill Clinton defeated George Bush Sr. by 3.18 percent, or 1,089 votes.

The 1996 presidential campaign was even closer for DeKalb County. Clinton narrowly defeated Republican challenger Bob Dole by 1.18 percent – just 335 votes.

“There will probably be a higher percent of turnout from Democrats with the number of young people voting,” said Karl Kahler, a former Genoa mayor and instructor of economics and political science at Kishwaukee College. “Nobody has forgotten about last time.”

The presidential election has not been the only factor in the expected increase of voter turnout, Kahler said.

“Our local elections have drawn the interest to get out and vote,” he said. “I think it is good for the county and it sure has stirred up people to vote.”

Kahler, who said he has not missed voting in an election since turning 21, said it is necessary to vote in all elections, not just presidential ones.

“Hopefully it won’t go back to voting only every four years,” Kahler said.

Questions asked to various

faculty and staff

Do you plan to vote in the presidential election this year?

Yes: 24 No: 1

Why?

The three most given responses:

1. Civic responsibility/privilege to do so (13)

2. Sets the political climate for the next four years/direction of the country (5)

3. Election is more important/may be decided by a few votes (2)

Did you vote in the 2000 (Bush/Gore) presidential election?