February 12, 2012
(DES MOINES)- A poll of Iowans between February 6 and 7, conducted for the Legacy Foundation, reveals that by a more than a 3 to 1 margin Iowans favor a proposal that voters show photo identification before being allowed to vote.
The Legacy Foundation conducted a statewide poll of 600 Iowa registered voters on three topics that are currently being considered by the Iowa legislature. In addition to voter verification proposals, the proposals on fuel taxes and property taxes were also surveyed. Those results will be released on Monday and Tuesday.
Support for the three voter verification initiatives was strong across all demographic categories including party affiliation. Among Democrats 59.5% favored the photo identification proposal to 35.7% opposed. Republicans favored 85.8% to 10.8%. Among registered No-Party voters 83.9% to 13.4%. Full cross tabs on the questions and demographics may be downloaded here.
Should voters be required to show photo identification such as a driver’s license before being allowed to vote?
Yes 456 76.0%
No 122 20.3%
Undecided 22 3.7%
Should people be required to prove US citizenship before being allowed to register to vote?
Yes 514 85.7%
No 63 10.5%
Undecided 23 3.8%
Do you support or oppose requiring the verification of a voter’s signature before counting his or her mail-in absentee ballot?
Support 417 69%
Oppose 123 20.5%
Undecided 60 10.0%
The Legacy Foundation, a 501c3, was organized to educate the general public about concepts that advance individual liberty, free enterprise, and limited and accountable government. The Foundation also engages in independent, non-partisan research on public policy matters and initiatives. It does not support or endorse candidates for election. The Legacy Foundation was founded by Christopher Rants, a former legislator from Sioux City, who served as Speaker of the House from 2003 through 2006.
This is the first in a series of initiatives the Legacy Foundation will make in 2012 to educate the general public about policy debates pending before the Iowa Legislature.
The survey was conducted by Victory Enterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa. Interviews were conducted by live operator. The survey consists of interviews from 600 likely voters in Iowa. Calls were completed on February 6-7, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 4.0% with a 95% confidence level. The survey was balanced by party, age, gender and geography. Registered Democrats made up 35% of the respondents; Republicans 34% and No-Party voters comprised 31%.
