MIAMI – According to the results of a new poll disclosed this Thursday, if elections were held today, current Governor and Independent candidate Charlie Crist would obtain 37.8% of Florida’s Hispanic vote; the closest contender, Republican Marco Rubio would obtain 28.9% of the minority vote. Democratic candidate Kendrick Meek would obtain 11.1% of the state’s Hispanic vote. The poll also found that just over one out of five Hispanic Florida residents who plan to vote, are still undecided.
The study, conducted by Miami-based regional pollster Asisa Research Group, also shows that Florida Hispanics describe themselves mostly as “moderates” in terms of ideological belief (38%): including 24% who define themselves as “moderate liberals” and 14% who do so as “moderate conservatives”. Stronger ideological positions are significantly less, as only 11% of those surveyed describe themselves as “strong conservatives”, and 7% as “strong liberals”.
This expressed ideological change might explain their support to an Independent such as Sen. Crist, rather than a strong conservative position, which Republican Marco Rubio represents. Although there are slightly more Floridian Hispanics that describe themselves as Strong Republicans (20%) compared with Strong Democrats (18%); the majority tends to describe their political affiliation towards the center: Independents (36%), weak democrats (16%) or weak Republicans (9%).
The balance between voters who lean towards the republican candidate in general and their approach to issues is greater than those who lean towards the democratic candidate (31% vs. 24%). However, 44% of those surveyed indicate that their vote will be is based more on the attributes of the candidate and issues rather than party affiliation.
Hispanics are traditionally considered “less interested” in politics and government affairs, and are also less likely to turn out at the polls on Election Day; however this poll show that Latinos are becoming more aware and involved in these issues. The results show that 60% of those surveyed report watching, listening or reading about politics at least five times per week.
In general, Latinos reported higher political media awareness compared to other minorities (50%); although still less than White, non Hispanic Americans (79%). The results of this poll support the notion of a changing landscape of Hispanics in Florida. This segment has a greater need to become active participants in politics and government affairs.
The study was conducted on October 5th and 6th 2010, a total of 403 likely Hispanic voters were surveyed in Florida. The survey was conducted from the pollster’s CATI center using live interviewers. Asisa Research Group is a regional marketing and public opinion research agency founded in 1988 in the Dominican Republic, with its U.S. Headquarters located in Miami.
