Those who disagree with the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade are now less likely to vote in November compared to earlier predictions that indicated the decision would mobilize voters, particularly those in the Democratic Party, in the midterm elections.
Only 55% of voters who believe abortion should be legal nationwide said they were likely to vote in November, according to a recent poll by the Washington Post and Schar School. That’s a drop from polling in June before the Supreme Court decision was announced, when 60% of voters said they’d be more motivated to vote if Roe was reversed.
PRO-ABORTION GROUPS PLAN TO SPEND $150 MILLION DURING MIDTERM ELECTIONS
Meanwhile, Republicans and abortion opponents have indicated they are increasingly likely to vote in November, with 74% of the party noting they plan to head to the polls compared to just 62% of all Democrats. Of those who don’t believe abortion should be legal, 66% say they are certain they will vote in the midterm elections — possibly giving Republicans an advantage.
The new numbers may throw a wrench into Democrats’ plans, as several candidates sought to use abortion as a top issue to mobilize voters. Some pro-abortion groups have even used the Supreme Court ruling to push political advertising in key swing states, pouring $150 million into efforts to increase voter turnout.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Candidates in tight races and reelection bids have also leaned on the Roe reversal to boost their campaigns, painting themselves as warriors who would use their influence to codify abortion rights.
However, Republicans have become increasingly more likely to vote in the midterm elections as the party seeks to gain control of one or both chambers of Congress. GOP candidates have also talked about rising inflation and President Joe Biden’s flailing approval ratings as they seek to motivate voters.
The Washington Post reported the poll was conducted July 22-24 with a random national sample of 1,026 U.S. adults from SSRS’s Opinion Panel and a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
