(New York, NY, Feb. 22, 2022) GLAAD is releasing the findings of the first of an ongoing series of polls to gauge and track motivation, enthusiasm, and issues ahead of the 2022 midterm elections taking place in November.
The poll measures how motivated LGBTQ likely voters are to vote in the 2022 midterm elections, as compared with motivation to vote in the 2020 Presidential election. Participants were also asked about the pending Supreme Court nomination and its impact on their vote, preferred candidates on a generic ballot for the U.S. Congress, about the COVID-19 pandemic, and which issues were their highest priorities.
LGBTQ voters provided the deciding edge for the pro-equality presidential ticket in 2020 with a surge of new registrations. The Williams Institute reported in early 2020 that nine million LGBTQ adults were registered to vote, about 79% of LGBTQ adults. GLAAD's 2022 poll shows 84% of LGBTQ people are registered to vote.
The poll of 1,000 LGBTQ respondents was conducted January 23—29, 2022 by Pathfinder Opinion Research. More details here. Read the memo on the poll's findings here.
Elections this year are underscored by an increasingly hostile climate toward LGBTQ people in state legislatures across the country. Nearly 180 bills have been proposed in 2022, most (97) targeting transgender people and youth, with a new focus on anti-LGBTQ school policy bills (69) that ban classroom conversation and books about LGBTQ people under the guise of "parents' rights," like Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem signed a bill on February 3, 2022, banning transgender girls and women from playing sports on teams that align with their gender identity, one of at least 43 proposed school sports bans. At least 27 bills target trans youth healthcare, against recommendations from every major medical association about its safety and lifesaving effectiveness.
Statement from GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis:
"GLAAD's snapshot poll shows LGBTQ people are motivated to vote and ready to make a significant impact on the midterm results. They also indicated the importance of nominating a pro-equality Supreme Court justice to maintain hard-fought rights. By revealing their top issues of concern, including COVID-19, jobs, healthcare, the environment and racial justice, LGBTQ voters are again showing how our issues are deeply connected to the greater struggles for equality and equity across American society. We are a part of every family, community and neighborhood. LGBTQ people and our allies must unite as a powerful voting bloc for positive change and to act as a bulwark against those who oppose our rights. LGBTQ voters were critical to the victories of pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot in 2020. We must continue to ensure LGBTQ voices and voters are heard in 2022."
KEY FINDINGS OF THE POLL INCLUDE:
Likelihood of voting in 2022 midterm elections:
64% Definitely will vote
19% Probably will vote
13% May or may not vote
2% Probably will not vote
2% Definitely will not vote
Motivated to vote in November 2022 election:
50% Extremely motivated
43% Motivated
Motivated to vote in midterms, compared with 2020 Presidential election:
48% More motivated to vote in this upcoming election
15% Less motivated to vote in this upcoming election
36% Neither more nor less motivated
Generic U.S. Congress choice if the vote were held today:
77% The Democratic candidate
15% The Republican candidate
4% Someone else
4% Not sure
Most important issues that candidates for office must address in 2022 (selected up to 2):
32% COVID-19 response
28% Jobs and the economy
25% Healthcare
23% Environment / climate change
19% Inflation
18% Racial justice
15% Voting rights
11% LGBTQ equality
8% Immigration
7% Student debt
5% Other
4% Filibuster reform
Attitude toward President Biden's Build Back Better plan:
73% Favor
27% Oppose
Impact of President Biden nominating a progressive, pro-LGBTQ justice for the Supreme Court vacancy:
50% More motivated to vote in November 2022 election
44% Neither more nor less motivated
6% Less motivated to vote in November 2022 election
Self-reported vaccination status of LGBTQ adults:
74% Fully vaccinated
3% Received one dose, but require one more dose
23% Have not received any doses of the vaccine
Personal outcomes due to COVID-19 pandemic:
46% Experienced increased mental health issues
27% Increased personal debt to make ends meet
23% Tested positive for COVID-19
23% Close friend or family member died from COVID-19
22% Involuntarily lost job or had work reduced
17% Changed living arrangements for financial reasons
12% Voluntarily quit or resigned from job
METHODOLOGY: GLAAD's Voter Pulse Poll
These findings represent the results of a survey conducted by Pathfinder Opinion Research from January 23—29, 2022, among n=1,000 LGBTQ adults in the United States. Interviews were conducted online utilizing a national research panel. Respondents were selected to represent the national LGBT population based on demographic estimates of this universe published by the Williams Institute and weighted by gender, age, race, education, and geographic region based on Williams Institute data. Within this sample of LGBTQ adults are subsets of registered voters (n=837) and likely voters (n=698). For this survey, the overall credibility interval (a theoretical margin of error for non-probability samples) is ±3.1%.
About GLAAD:
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
