(Week of 9/29/2012) Results from the latest Economist/YouGov poll suggest Americans are increasingly relying upon new technology to be politically engaged. 40% of respondents reported having read an e-mail from a candidate running for office in this campaign season, as opposed to 33% who reported having read a letter from a candidate mailed to their home, or 27% who reported having read a leaflet or flyer about a candidate. 22% also reported having liked a candidate on Facebook, and 20% reported having posted a comment about a candidate on the country’s largest social networking website.
Interestingly, older Americans were consistently more likely to report political engagement than younger Americans, whether via old or new media. 21% of respondents reported having donated money to a candidate, 8% reported having attended a political rally, 7% reported having followed a candidate on Twitter, and another 6% reported tweeting about a candidate. 5% reported blogging about a candidate. Finally, small percentages of Americans reported engaging in canvassing or phone calling on behalf of political candidates this year.
38% of Americans reported that they have not participated in any of the political activities mentioned. Not surprisingly, young adults aged 18-29 were more likely than any other group to choose this option.
Economist/YouGov poll archives can be found here
Photo source: Press Association
