Social issues have been low on voters’ minds in recent campaigns, and the same is true this year, according to a survey conducted April 4-15. Despite being a hot-button issue in many states, just 28% of voters regard gay marriage as a very important issue in this election year — the lowest showing for any issue polled on.

Birth control (34%) and abortion (39%) join gay marriage at the bottom of the list of issues voters care about.

To voters, the most important issues are the economy (86%), jobs (84%), the budget deficit (74%), health care (74%) and education (72%).

See also a related report: “ More Support for Gun Rights, Gay Marriage than in 2008 or 2004.Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.