Examiner straw poll for Charlotte

November 4, 3:27 PMCharlotte Political Buzz ExaminerCaleb Howe

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Examiners from major cities across the country conducted a straw poll of voters to better understand their habits leading up to Election Day. Respondents were randomly selected to participate and asked a series of questions listed below.

» Results of the Examiner nationwide straw poll

Question 1: Have you been polled before today on election issues?

Question 2: On Election Day, did you vote for the same candidates that you intended to vote for prior to arriving at the polling location?

Question 3: What was the single most important issue to you in this election that affected how you voted?

SUMMARY:  Of the eight people I interviewed, six chose the economy as their top issue. The other two were reluctant to choose a top issue, though one respondent said the important thing was that  a man of God preside over the nation. Among the six people who chose the economy, three indicated that it was not the deciding factor, but rather the most important. One indicated that she was including her number one issue, taxes, as an economy issue. Although it was not part of our polling point, I also asked each respondent, without telling me their party, to answer whether they voted their party line. Six of the eight did indeed vote a straight party ticket.

My polling including four male respondents and four female respondents. Three respondents were African American, one respondent was Hispanic, and four were white. Ages varied.

This is what I consider a good halfway point in the day for polling. Turnout for most of the morning has been decidedly light, especially in comparison to the early voting numbers. I expect this afternoon will see long lines once again as people hit the polls on their way home from work. My advice to you is that, if you have yet to vote, get there before five to avoid the rush.

Everything was running smoothly at each location I visited. One polling place had a voting machine repairman show up while I was there, but he seemed to have the problem under control as he fixed what appeared to be a mere paper jam. That could have been problematic at a busy time but, with light turnout, there were still plenty of open booths.

In interacting with voters today, one thing is perfectly clear to me. People are very engaged. Virtually all of my respondents felt North Carolina could go either way on the top of the ticket, although I do get a strong sense that the Gubernatorial race may lean toward Pat McCrory ... at least in the districts I've visited so far.

Remember to stick with the Examiner throughout the day for more updates and further straw poll data.

Related Elections 2008 info: 
Elections 2008 political roadmap
Political issues in 2008
Poll: who will be the next U.S. president?
Examiner Coverage: Elections 2008