Christians Say Elections Matter, According To New Survey

The Institute for Faith and Culture (IFC) has released results from a recent flash poll conducted in partnership with Rasmussen Reports. It sought to understand Christian voters' sentiments in advance of the November election, covering topics ranging from candidate preferences to the perceived impact of prayer on the electoral process.

The survey asked  voters, inter alia, for whom they voted in the 2020 election, their preferences for this election, and the likelihood of participatiing the election. The poll also asked respondents questions about abortion restrictions, whether Evangelical Christians and other Protestants are pleased with their church leadership and denomination, and whether they believe prayer can influence the outcome of the election.

"Election season is a time for Christians to reflect on how their faith informs their civic action and their choices at the ballot box," said IFC Executive Direction Lauren Cooley. "With just days until November 5, this poll serves as a snapshot in time, providing critical insights into what Christians are thinking and how they will impact this election. At this moment in time, it appears Christians are already voting and are ready to engage at the ballot box."

The study found that an overwhelming majority of self-identified Christian voters believe the 2024 election is very important, and most of them believe that prayer can make a difference. It also found that 92% of adult Christians believe the presidential election is important in determining America's future. Of those polled, 78% think it is very important. Of the respondents, 40% identify as Protestant, 39% identify as Catholic and 21% who identify as Evangelical Christians. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of all Christian adults agree that prayer can impact the outcome of this election, including 32% who strongly agree. Thirty percent (30%) disagree, including 18% who strongly disagree, while another 12% are not sure. Evangelical Christianss (73%) are more likely than other Protestants (58%), or Catholics (50%) to agree that prayer can impact the outcome of this election.

Key Findings from the Flash Poll:

• Voter Turnout: The survey gauged the likelihood of Christians showing up at the polls this election cycle, addressing concerns over potential voter apathy. The poll found that 77% of Evangelical Christians have already voted or plan to absolutely vote. Out of the Evangelicals that won't vote 7% said they're not qualified and 10% said they are unable.
•  Impact of Prayer: Respondents were asked whether they believe prayer can make a difference in the outcome of the election, and 73% of Evangelical Christians responded in the affirmative, offering a glimpse into how faith and politics intersect in the minds of Christian voters.

"The data gathered helps us understand not just who Christians might vote for, but how self-identified Christians view their role in the civic process," said Dr. Rob Pacienza, President and Founder of IFC and CEO and President of Coral Ridge Ministries. "Christianity and politics are not mutually exclusive. While the church should never become a political machine, it has a responsibility to engage the political sphere with moral clarity and courage."

The Institute for Faith and Culture is a nonpartisan, non-denominational organization to "equip Christians for this cultural moment, empowering them to be salt and light in their communities," its website said. "Through curating Biblical worldview resources, practical training, and connecting the body of Christ, IFC seeks to advance the Kingdom by fostering civic engagement grounded in faith."

The IFC conducted an earlier survey showed that an overwhelming majority — 93% — of respondents believe it is important to interpret the world through Scripture, and 87% believe the Bible speaks to modern issues, while this often stops short of biblically-informed civic action. Despite 76% agreeing that God is concerned with how they vote, it’s been reported that over 40 million Christians who are eligible to vote remain unregistered to vote.