Voters with Disabilities May Determine Next President
October 12, 2004

PRESS RELEASE
For More Information:
Brad Williams (518) 427-1060
Tim Cronin (518) 458-1600

ALBANY, NY - Based on the results of a national Reuters/Zogby poll conducted this past weekend, likely voters who self-identified as people with disabilities may have a decisive impact on the choice for President.

A sample of over 1,200 likely voters was surveyed from across the country. When asked if the election was held today, who would they vote for in the Presidential race, 47% selected Senator John Kerry, 44% for President Bush, 2% for Ralph Nader, 1% other, and 6% not sure.

Out of those surveyed, almost 200 self-identified as a person with a disability, or 16.4%. This is consistent with disability trend figures, which range between 19-20% of the total population in the United States. When asked the same question, Americans with disabilities clearly favored Senator Kerry. Fifty-seven percent stated their intention to vote for Kerry, 34% for President Bush, 2% for Ralph Nader, 0% other, and 7% not sure.

The impact of the disability community's vote was emphasized with one last comparison. Out of the same sample, slightly more than 1,000 respondents did not self-identify as having a disability. This group had a totally different voter preference: 46% would vote for President Bush, 45% for Senator Kerry, 2% for Ralph Nader, 1% other, and 6% not sure.

"I hope these survey results get the attention of the two major Presidential candidates," remarked Brad Williams of the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC). "If the campaigns are smart, they would make it a priority to discuss a disability issue in the upcoming national debate on domestic policy." Williams further noted that issues like the long-term care system and civil rights are hot topics.

Jim Dickson of the American Association on People with Disabilities (AAPD) added, "I have often proclaimed that voters with disabilities would be the sleeping giants of American politics." He said, "The giant is now awake, very hungry, and waiting for its slice of the American pie."

The Reuters/Zogby International poll of "National Likely Voters" was a telephone poll conducted in the United States October 8, 2004 to October 10, 2004. It has a Margin Of Error (MOE) of +/- 2.9 percentage points. The total sample was based on 1,212 individuals with 198 self-identifying as people with disabilities. The individuals who participated reflected a diverse cross section of likely voters. Various demographic characteristics were taken into account in the selection of the sample. Contact the NYSILC office for details about the methodology.

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