Two-thirds of registered voters (67%) say it is important for the president to have strong religious beliefs. This number is down since 2008 (72%), but is similar to polls conducted during the 2004 and 2000 elections (70%).

The consistent importance of religion matches another survey finding from a May 2011 survey, which found 61% of adults say they would be less likely to support a presidential candidate who does not believe in God. Of 14 items tested, this was the only potential trait that a clear majority of Americans said would affect their vote negatively.

Eight-in-ten Republicans (81%) say it is important to have a president with strong religious beliefs, which is significantly higher than the number of Democrats (66%) and independents (60%) who say this. Similar partisan divisions have existed since this question was first asked in 2000. Read More