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G_j

(40,367 posts) Wed Mar 26, 2014, 06:18 PM Mar 2014

Poll: 68 Percent More Likely to Turn Out If Measure to Legalize Pot Is on the Ballot

http://www.nationaljournal.com/politics/poll-68-percent-more-likely-to-turn-out-if-measure-to-legalize-pot-is-on-the-ballot-20140325

In their quest to get their base to the polls, Democrats may want to consider marijuana.
By Alex Seitz-Wald

March 25, 2014

A new poll, conducted by a Democratic and Republican polling firm in partnership with George Washington University, suggests voters would be overwhelmingly more likely to go to the polls if they could vote on a ballot measure to legalize marijuana, something Democrats may want to keep in mind as they work to boost turnout.

Facing a tough map and perennial low turnout in midterms, Democrats are hoping to minimize losses in this year's elections by enticing their voters to the polls in any way possible, which in some states includes marijuana liberalization. At least six states are expected to have marijuana questions on the ballot this year.

Colorado and Washington, which each had referenda to legalize the drug on the ballot in 2012, saw the youth share of the vote jump between 5 and 12 percentage points that year over 2008, even as it increased only marginally nationwide.

The GW Battleground Poll of likely voters, conducted by the Tarrance Group and Lake Research Partners, asked voters how much more or less likely they would be to go to the polls "if there was a proposal on the ballot to legalize the use of marijuana."

The top response: "Much more likely," an option selected by 39 percent of respondents. The next most popular choice was "somewhat more likely," which garnered 30 percent of responses. Just 13 percent said they'd be somewhat or much less likely to vote, and 16 percent said it would make no difference.

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Poll: 68 Percent More Likely to Turn Out If Measure to Legalize Pot Is on the Ballot (Original Post) G_j Mar 2014 OP

Great historical opportunity for Democrats here... n/t. PoliticAverse Mar 2014 #1

Watch 'em shove it away with both hands - plus their feet! polichick Mar 2014 #3

Put the car in "D" bigwillq Mar 2014 #2

Repukes cant allow THAT! DiverDave Mar 2014 #4

Republicans have been doing this stuff for years thelordofhell Mar 2014 #5

I would think Republicans would fight this with all four limbs, a big turn out, most likely a lot Thinkingabout Mar 2014 #6

Now THAT'S the way to GOTV. LWolf Mar 2014 #7

This could have the added benefit that if Republicans want to kill the law... Kablooie Mar 2014 #8

Weeeelllllll the GOP is trying hard to learn how to talk to humans Rex Mar 2014 #9

Brilliant idea rickyhall Mar 2014 #10

hand out free doobies to people standing in line to vote passiveporcupine Mar 2014 #11

What about minimum wage increases? I wonder how much turnout would increase muntrv Mar 2014 #12

good question nt G_j Mar 2014 #15

i had a petition taker come to my door last week shanti Mar 2014 #17

Bets as to whether Kay Hagan (D-NC) will take a strong pro-legalization stand? WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #13

Unfortunately, we can't put them on every ballot because pnwmom Mar 2014 #14

LOL! Le Taz Hot Mar 2014 #16

definately! G_j Mar 2014 #18

K&R B Calm Mar 2014 #19

PoliticAverse

(26,366 posts)

1. Great historical opportunity for Democrats here... n/t.