How Did Our Readers Vote in This Election?

November 25, 2020December 7, 2020 Bethany Erickson 0 Comments

By all appearances, the United States will have a new president in January since, as states confirm and certify their counts, President-elect Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris obtained the majority of both the popular vote and the Electoral College vote.

But how did our readers vote? We’ve been taking snapshots of your opinions since August, with our first People-Powered Election Survey. In the months leading up to the election, about 200 readers each month have weighed in on their picks, and also answered questions designed to take the temperature of our audience.

Granted, Election Day was very busy, so our response to our exit survey was a little less robust than our previous surveys. But what emerges from a comparison of the final vote on the county and state level compared to our readers’ responses is interesting, we think.

We also asked our readers one final question: Why is it important to vote?

Many said they voted to make sure their voices were heard, and to elect the best leaders.

“It’s an amazing privilege others fought and died to give us. This is a luxury we must take full advantage of,” said one reader.

“”It’s one of the few rights we have across the board, regardless of socioeconomic level, race, gender or educational level,” said another.

Another said that being able to vote is a blessing.

“”We are blessed that in this country we are given a say in politics and how our government should work,” that reader responded.

Another acknowledged the divide that has become more apparent.

“Voting is the surest and best way for our votes tot come together–however the threats to this incredible American right has been threatened this year,” the reader said. “I hope we learn from it and that people do not fear one another’s vote, but rather welcome it so our democracy should work as it should vs. everything being totally politicized.

“I hope that after today, America will feel more as one, however it will take some time to mend the issues that have led us to this furious boil. Those that are angry are hurting in some way, and I hope that there is some way to address that hurt so they can feel that we are all in this together.”

The results: