A new poll indicates that LGBTQ+ voters overwhelmingly favour Kamala Harris over Donald Trump by a nearly 67-point margin. The survey, carried out by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in collaboration with Community Marketing & Insights—an LGBTQ+-owned research firm—provides detailed insights into the voting inclinations of the LGBTQ community.
According to the poll, 74% of LGBTQ+ voters are inclined to vote for the Harris-Walz ticket in November. Conversely, only 7.5% of the demographic expressed support for the Trump-Vance ticket. The remaining voters among the LGBTQ+ community plan to either opt for a third-party candidate or abstain from voting altogether.
The survey drew responses from 2,490 LGBTQ+ adults across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Participants were selected from CMI’s LGBTQ+ Research Panel, which comprises 50,000 LGBTQ adults, to ensure a diverse and representative sample. The poll's organisers employed population-based survey weights to reflect national LGBTQ+ demographics, including factors such as race, age, gender identity, educational attainment, and geographic distribution, making the findings robust.
Historically, about one-third of LGBTQ+ voters have supported the GOP ticket in past presidential elections. However, the current poll suggests a significant tilt towards Harris, hinting that her campaign might intensify efforts to micro-target LGBTQ+ voters through online platforms and other channels. Such tactics could be aimed at engaging holdouts or non-voters within this community.
An additional noteworthy finding is that 95% of LGBTQ+ adults reported being registered to vote, a statistic evidencing higher political engagement compared to the average American voter. This trend aligns with previous surveys of LGBTQ+ Americans, which have consistently shown a high degree of political participation.
In terms of motivation, the survey revealed that 14.3% of LGBTQ+ adults are "somewhat" motivated to vote in the impending election, while a substantial 73% identify as "very" motivated. Voting enthusiasm appears to increase with age, with 81% of Gen Z voters expressing motivation to vote, sharply contrasted by 95% of those over the age of 60.
Several key issues are driving LGBTQ+ voter engagement, including support for LGBTQ+ legislation, concerns about pending anti-LGBTQ+ laws, reproductive rights, worries about the direction and potential reform of the U.S. Supreme Court, inflation, and the rising cost of living. Additionally, significant apprehension surrounds the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, an initiative that has sparked widespread concern within the LGBTQ+ community.
More than 92% of LGBTQ+ adults reported being aware of Project 2025. The project's goals—to limit LGBTQ+ visibility and revoke protections for LGBTQ+ individuals—have been viewed unfavourably by 93.7% of LGBTQ+ adults, with 97% disapproval among Gen Z LGBTQ+ adults.
With the election drawing near, the substantial support for Harris among LGBTQ voters and their high level of political engagement could play a pivotal role.
Source: Noah Wire Services