2012 Election Fact Sheets
Data on the size and social and economic characteristics of the Hispanic and non-Hispanic eligible voter populations.
A Record 24 Million Latinos Are Eligible to Vote
A record 23.7 million Latinos are eligible to vote in the 2012 presidential election, according to a new analysis of Census Bureau data. This is up by more than 4 million, or 22%, since 2008, but turnout typically lags that of whites, blacks.
Map: Mapping the 2012 Latino Electorate
A map showing key characteristics of Latino eligible voters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Youth Engagement Falls; Registration Also Declines
Young voters are significantly less engaged in this year’s election than at a comparable point in 2008 and now lag far behind older voters in interest in the campaign and intention to vote.
Many Say Press is Fair to Romney, Obama
Nearly half (46%) say the coverage of Romney and Obama has been fair. Among those who see a bias, as many say the press has been too easy on Romney (20%) as too tough on him (21%), while nearly twice as many say press coverage of the president has been too easy (28%) than too tough (15%).
Fewer Satisfied with Candidates than in Any Campaign Since 1992
Voters offer tepid ratings of the 2012 field. Just over half (54%) say they are either very or fairly satisfied with the presidential choices this year, while 40% say they are not too or not at all satisfied.
For Voters, It’s Still the Economy
As Barack Obama and Mitt Romney prepare for their first debate on Oct. 3, the issues at the top of the voters’ agenda have changed little since 2008. Fully 87% of registered voters say that the economy will be very important to their vote, while 83% say jobs will be very important to their vote.
Fewer Satisfied with Candidates than in Any Campaign Since 1992
Voters offer tepid ratings of the 2012 field. Just over half (54%) say they are either very or fairly satisfied with the presidential choices this year, while 40% say they are not too or not at all satisfied.
Where the Public Stands on Government Assistance, Taxes and the Presidential Candidates
When the national conversation focuses on class, the social safety net and the distribution of wealth as it has in the past week, the public sees clear differences between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, and Obama has an overall advantage.
Obama Ahead with Stronger Support, Better Image and Lead on Most Issues
With an eight-point lead over Mitt Romney among likely voters, Barack Obama holds a bigger September lead than the last three candidates who went on to win in November, including Obama four years ago. In elections since 1988, only Bill Clinton, in 1992 and 1996, entered the fall with a larger advantage.
