Statistics

Debunking Myths About Religious Voters in America

Many of our partners reject using political terms to describe themselves and their organizations because their faith traditions -- not political ideology or party -- represent their guiding values and inspire them to seek justice and the common good.

However, political labels are commonplace in media and public discourse. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the size and influence of the “religious left" and the religious right.

• The "Religious Left" Is Just About the Same Size as the Religious Right.
  • According to Beliefnet’s "Twelve Tribes" analysis of the 2004 presidential election, “[T]he religious left is just about the same size as the religious right." The report also states that the Religious Right “has had a much greater impact for the past 25 years largely because of superior organization and drive."
  • The "religious left" comprised 14 percent of the electorate -- an increase from 11 percent in 2000. By comparison, 15 percent were members of the Religious Right. (Beliefnet)
• Nearly as many American voters describe themselves as “religious liberals" as “religious conservatives."
  • A Zogby International nationwide telephone poll of 10,689 voters found that almost as many Americans describe themselves as “religious liberals" (20.8 percent of the population) as “religious conservatives" (24.9 percent).
  • Respondents who describe themselves as “religious moderates" comprised the largest group: 28.7 percent. (Zogby)
• The vast majority of both Bush and Kerry voters were people of faith
  • A 2005 survey report by The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life found that 84 percent of the Americans who voted for Sen. John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election are people of faith.
  • According to the survey’s analysis, "Bush depended heavily on traditionalist Christians, while Kerry had a more diverse coalition characterized by minority faiths, the Unaffiliated, and modernist Christians."
  • Only 16 percent of Kerry's vote total came from secular, agnostic, and atheist voters, compared with 5 percent of Bush's votes -- a difference of only 11 percent.
• The rise of the "religious left" was a major factor in the 2004 presidential election.
  • The "religious left" is mobilized to vote: 69 percent voted in the 2004 presidential election, compared with 51 percent in 2000. By comparison, 69 percent of the Religious Right also voted in the 2004 presidential election. (Beliefnet)
  • The "religious left" accounted for 21 percent of Kerry's votes. Conversely, 26 percent of President George W. Bush's voters were members of the Religious Right. (Beliefnet)