Arizona Voters Polarized on Popular Vote versus Electoral College

Twenty percent of Arizonans believe there was widespread voter fraud, another 20 percent are undecided

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — December 19, 2016

PHOENIX (December 19, 2016) — The most recent presidential election has been unlike any other in U.S. history, light on substance and heavy on charged negative rhetoric. Since the election, there has been a high volume of discussion surrounding the popular vote versus Electoral College being the determining factor of the presidential race. According to a recent survey conducted by OH Predictive Insights, Arizona voters are divided on the Electoral College versus popular vote.

In a survey of 700 active registered Democrat, Republican, Independent and Non-Declared voters across Arizona, Democrats and Republicans were polarized while Independents were split evenly concerning their preference for either the popular vote or Electoral College.

Electoral College versus Popular Vote — December 7–8, 2016 Results

In the past 16 years, Democrats have won the popular vote twice without gaining the presidency. With the most recent events, voters have generated a significant conversation surrounding the possibility of changing the current system.

"The numbers clearly indicate voters are polarized on this issue and reflect the polarization at all levels of government," said Mike Noble, managing partner of OH Predictive Insights and chief pollster. "Independents are clearly indifferent on which system they prefer."

Wes Gullett, partner of OH Predictive Insights and GOP political consultant, found it not surprising how polarized Democrats and Republicans are. "This survey shows that those who come out on the winning side are satisfied with the current system and those who came up short can taste the sour grapes," Gullett said.

Believe there was widespread voter fraud

"I find it alarming that 20 percent of voters believe there was widespread voter fraud and another 20 percent were not sure if there was — making a total of 40 percent who were uncomfortable with our recent voting process," said Mike Noble.

Wes Gullett said, "We've got a lot of work to do in the next two years to make sure the public understands that our voting system is secure, honest and transparent. After observing elections here and internationally I'm confident we have the best election system in the world, but clearly respondents to this survey are unconvinced."

Methodology: This automated survey was completed by OH Predictive Insights on December 7–8, 2016, from a 2016 active registered voter sample. Sample size: 700 completed surveys, MoE ± 3.7%.

Media Contact: Megan Conner, OH Partners — [email protected], 480-229-1427