New Survey of White Working-Class Vote and Values

What will drive white working-class voters to the polls in November?

Public Religion Research Institute to unveil an intimate portrait of white working class Americans in the final weeks of the 2012 election cycle

Heading into the final weeks of the 2012 presidential election, the white working-class vote has been the subject of debate, conflicting claims, and speculation. On Thursday, September 20, a new major national telephone survey of 2,501 American adults will provide a comprehensive look at the surprisingly complex group of white working-class Americans.

The new national survey, conducted by Public Religion Research Institute, goes beyond typical election year ballot questions to highlight the values, experiences, and worldview motivating white working-class Americans in 2012.The study explores a broad set of issues, including problems facing white working-class Americans’ communities, their religious preferences, what stores they prefer, and what news outlets they trust.

To provide insight and detailed analysis on what the findings mean, Columbia University journalism professorThomas B. Edsall and George Washington University political science professor John Sides will join Dr. Robert P. Jones, PRRI CEO, and Daniel Cox, PRRI Research Director, at an event accompanying the survey’s release.

Embargoed reports and interview opportunities will be made available. The event is open to media, and coverage is welcome. Seating is limited. RSVP is requested. 

Funding for the survey was generously provided by The Bend the Arc Foundation and The Nathan Cummings Foundation.