SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- 01/11/08 --
A survey of voting preferences of younger
voters on social networks by Peanut Labs, Inc., provider of unmatched Gen-Y
sample for market researchers, finds the majority of Gen-Y voters feel the
country is on the wrong track. Also, Gen-Y voters feel that honesty and
trust are the most important attributes when assessing a candidate for
president.
The survey, conducted in January 2008, is the first part of a two part
series examining the voting habits and preferences of Gen-Y, today's 18-29
year olds.
- 67.8 percent of all Gen-Yers feel the country is on the wrong
track. Broken down by party:
- 75.5 percent of Gen-Y Democrats feel the country is on the wrong
track
- 60.7 percent of Gen-Y Republicans feel the country is on the wrong
track
- 73.3 percent of Gen-Y Independents feel the country is on the wrong
track
- Gen-Y's most important attributes in a presidential candidate are:
- Honesty and trust at 32.3 percent
- 30.7 percent value candidate's position on key issues
- 16.7 percent stated intelligence
- Experience placed fourth at 9.25 percent.
- Broken down by party:
- Democrats feel "Policies/stance on issues" to be most
important
- Republicans and Independents feel "Honesty and trust" most
important
- When asked about Obama's popularity amongst younger voters after
drawing 57 percent of voters under 30 in Iowa:
- 29.3 percent said it was due to his "likeability and openness."
- 26.5 percent felt his "stances on key issues" contributed to his
popularity.
- 10.1 percent feel his "background and experience" were key to his
popularity.
"With 68 percent of Gen-Y respondents noting the country on the wrong
track, candidates with messages of change like Barack Obama seem to be
surging, with his campaign capturing 57 percent of voters under 30 in
Iowa," said Murtaza Hussain, Chief Executive Officer at Peanut Labs. "This
generation may prove key in choosing the next president, as they are
already the key-influencers for consumer goods and entertainment trends.
They appear willing to overlook experience as a key attribute, which older
candidates often base campaigns on."
The survey was carried out among 1070 Gen-Y respondents active on more than
seventy leading social networks that examined Gen-Y's voting preferences
heading into the 2008 primary season. For more information please contact
Peanut Labs. The second portion of the survey will be released on January
22.
About Peanut Labs
Peanut Labs is changing the way online market research is accessed and
delivered, providing unparalleled access to millions of 13-25 year olds
that comprise today's Gen Y audience. Developer of Sample3.0, the
Peanut Labs sample methodology taps into more than 70 social networks
including MySpace, Facebook, and Google OpenSocial. Sample3.0 is
quickly becoming the online sampling methodology of choice by leading
marketing research firms. More information about Peanut Labs and
Sample3.0 can be found at www.peanutlabs.com.
Media contact:
Dan Gould
SHIFT Communications
415-412-1068
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