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University of Massachusetts Amherst
SARIS - Student Affairs Research, Information and Systems
Presidential Election Survey (F96-G)

Executive Summary: Eighty-one percent of the students surveyed said they are registered to vote. Nearly seventy percent of the students who are registered voted in the 1996 Presidential election. Three-quarters of those who voted cast a ballot for Bill Clinton. Almost sixty percent of those who cast a ballot said that when they voted for president they were really voting against candidates they did not want instead of voting for a candidate they really wanted. The three most important qualities respondents feel that a president should possess are being trustworthy, being in touch with the American public, and having a strong moral character. Nearly three-quarters of the respondents feel that the economy is a very important election issue while thirty percent feel that affirmative action is a very important election issue. At least sixty percent of the students feel that the Federal government spends too much money on foreign aid and defense, while at least three-quarters of those surveyed believe that the Federal government does not spend enough money on poverty and education.

On Tuesday, November 5, 1996, Project Pulse conducted a telephone survey to investigate students' participation in, and attitudes about, the 1996 Presidential election. Interviewers attempted to contact 1,315 students who were randomly selected by computer from the undergraduate student population. The response rate for the survey was 43%. The final disposition of the calling list is presented in Table 1. Demographics of the respondents are presented in Table 2.

Table 1: Final Disposition of Calling List
N
% of Total
% of Contacted
In & cooperated
489
37.2
85.0
Contacted but refused
86
7.0
15.0
Not contacted
554
42.1
Unobtainable phone no.
181
13.7
Ineligible
5
0.3
Totals
1,315
100.0
100.0
       
       
Table 2: Sample Demographics
%
Female
48.2
Male
51.8
 
First-year
31.6
Sophomore
20.9
Junior
23.0
Senior
20.9
Fifth-year senior
3.6
 
Biracial/Multi-racial
2.8
African-American/Black
2.3
Asian-American/Pacific Islander
4.4
Latino/Hispanic/Chicano
1.7
Native American/American Indian
0.8
White/Caucasian
85.6
Other
2.3
 
Republican
7.5
Democrat
22.7
Unaffiliated
56.6
Not sure
13.2
 
Northeast/Sylvan
12.4
Orchard Hill/Central
22.6
Southwest
31.2
Fraternity or Sorority
1.0
Hillel
0.2
Off campus
32.5
 
Average age = 20.4 years

Over eighty percent (n=389) of the students surveyed said they are currently registered to vote, and of these, 23% (n=88) are registered in Amherst. Thirty-seven percent (n=142) of these students said they registered this fall on campus. Just over two-thirds (68.9%, n=268) of those who are registered said they voted in this year's Presidential election. Over one-third (36.5%, n=42) of those who are registered but did not vote said they did not vote because they "didn't arrange for an absentee ballot in time for the election" (see Table 3).

Table 3: What was your most important reason for not voting?
N
%
Didn't know where to vote
5
4.3
Didn't like any of the candidates
13
11.3
Don't feel their vote makes a difference
3
2.6
Didn't arrange for an absentee ballot in time
42
36.5
Didn't have a way to get to the polls
8
7.0
Just didn't feel like it
14
12.2
Other
30
26.1

 

Seventy percent (n=329) of those surveyed said they were very or somewhat interested in this year's presidential election. Respondents also were asked about their choice for President and U.S. Senator. Three-quarters (n=193) said they voted for Bill Clinton. Bob Dole received 12% (n=30) of the vote and Ross Perot garnered six percent (n=14). Just over 7% (n=19) said they chose some other candidate. For the Massachusetts Senate seat, almost two-thirds (n=155) of the students reported voting for John Kerry, while almost one-third (n=78) said they voted for Bill Weld. Two percent (n=4) said they voted for some other candidate.

Students also were asked whether they were voting more for a presidential candidate they really wanted or against presidential candidates they did not want. More than half (56.3%, n=143) of the students said they voted against candidates they did not want. Figure 1 shows students' level of enthusiasm about the presidential candidate they chose.

Figure 1: How would you describe your level of enthusiasm about the presidential candidate you voted for?

Next, students were read a list of qualities that some people think are important in a president and were asked to indicate how important each quality is to them personally. Almost 100% of the respondents feel that "being trustworthy" (98.5%, n=465), "being 'in touch' with the American public" (98.3%, n=462), and "having strong moral character" (97.3%, n=456) are important (either 'somewhat' or 'very') qualities that a president should possess (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Proportions of students who think each quality is "very important" in a president.

Next, students were asked to indicate how important each of 9 election issues is to them. Figure 3 shows the percentages of respondents who feel each issue is very important.

Figure 3: Proportions of students who say each election issue is "very important" to them.

Students also were read a list of eight general areas which comprise the federal budget and asked if they think our government currently spends "too much," "not enough," or "about the right amount" of money in each area. Table 4 summarizes the results for the eight areas of the federal budget included.

Table 4: Please indicate whether you think the federal government currently spends too much, not enough, or about the right amount of money in each of the following areas.
 
Too Much Money
Not Enough Money
About the Right Amount
The Environment
6.1%
67.3%
26.6%
Health Care
6.9%
69.1%
23.9%
Poverty
8.0%
72.8%
19.2%
Foreign Aid
63.0%
7.5%
29.5%
Crime
9.6%
53.0%
37.4%
Education
1.7%
88.7%
9.6%
Defense
60.9%
8.0%
31.1%

Finally, students were asked about their consumption of media coverage of the presidential election. When asked how many of the presidential and vice presidential debates they watched, almost two thirds (63.2%, n=295) of the students said they watched at least one (see Figure 4).

Figure 4: Of the two presidential debates and one vice-presidential debate, how many did you watch?

Students also were asked how often in the last month they read newspapers and watched national news on television (see Figure 5).

Figure 5: During the past month, how often have you read newspapers for national news and watched national news on television?

                                      ITEM-BY-ITEM
Project Pulse                                                     November 5, 1996

                        PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SURVEY (F96-G)

Hello, is this ____?  My name is ____.  I'm calling you tonight for Project Pulse 
of the Student Affairs Research Office at UMass.  We are doing a telephone survey 
to find out about student attitudes toward the presidential election.  You have 
been randomly selected from the entire undergraduate population to be part of 
tonight's survey.  I'd like to ask you some questions which should take only about 
five minutes.  All of your responses are completely confidential.  Please feel 
free to ask questions at any time.


First, I'd like to ask you some questions about voting.

Are you currently registered to vote?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Yes                             1       389     80.7     81.0     81.0
No                              2        84     17.4     17.5     98.5
Not a US Citizen                3         7      1.5      1.5    100.0
dk/refused                      4         2       .4   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       482    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     480      Missing cases      2


(if not registered)
What is your most important reason for not being registered to vote?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Never got around to registering 1        24     28.6     30.0     30.0
Not old enough                  2         8      9.5     10.0     40.0
Don't think my vote matters     3         3      3.6      3.8     43.8
Not that interested in politics 4        28     33.3     35.0     78.8
Other                           5        17     20.2     21.3    100.0
dk/refused                      6         4      4.8   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total        84    100.0    100.0

Valid cases      80      Missing cases      4


Did you register here on campus this fall?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Yes                             1       142     36.5     36.6     36.6
No                              2       246     63.2     63.4    100.0
dk/refused                      3         1       .3   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       389    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     388      Missing cases      1


Where are you registered to vote?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Amherst, MA                     1        88     22.6     22.9     22.9
Another town in MA              2       275     70.7     71.6     94.5
Another state                   3        21      5.4      5.5    100.0
dk/refused                      4         5      1.3   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       389    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     384      Missing cases      5


Are you registered as a:

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Republican                      1        29      7.5      7.5      7.5
Democrat                        2        88     22.6     22.7     30.2
Unaffiliated                    3       219     56.3     56.6     86.8
Not sure                        4        51     13.1     13.2    100.0
dk/refused                      5         2       .5   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       389    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     387      Missing cases      2


Did you vote in this year's presidential election?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Yes                             1       268     68.9     68.9     68.9
No                              2       121     31.1     31.1    100.0
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       389    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     389      Missing cases      0


What was your most important reason for not voting?
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

didn't know where to vote       3         5      4.1      4.3      4.3
didn't like any of 
   the candidates               4        13     10.7     11.3     15.7
don't feel their vote 
   really made a difference     5         3      2.5      2.6     18.3
didn't arrange for an absentee
   ballot in time for the 
   election                     6        42     34.7     36.5     54.8
did not have a way to get to 
   the polls                    8         8      6.6      7.0     61.7
just didn't feel like it        9        14     11.6     12.2     73.9
other                          10        30     24.8     26.1    100.0
dk/refused                     11         6      5.0   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       121    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     115      Missing cases      6


Which presidential candidate did you vote for in this year's election?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Bob Dole                        1        30     11.2     11.7     11.7
Bill Clinton                    2       193     72.0     75.4     87.1
Ross Perot                      3        14      5.2      5.5     92.6
other                           4        19      7.1      7.4    100.0
refused answer                  5        12      4.5   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       268    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     256      Missing cases     12


When you voted for President, would you say that you were voting more 
for a candidate you really wanted, or against candidates you did not want?


                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

For a candidate I really wanted 1       111     41.4     43.7     43.7
Against candidates I did not
   want                         2       143     53.4     56.3    100.0
dk/refused                      3        14      5.2   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       268    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     254      Missing cases     14


How would you describe your level of enthusiasm about the presidential 
candidate you voted for?
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very enthusiastic               1        47     17.5     17.7     17.7
Somewhat enthusiastic           2       154     57.5     57.9     75.6
Somewhat unenthusiastic         3        54     20.1     20.3     95.9
Very unenthusiastic             4        11      4.1      4.1    100.0
dk/refused                      5         2       .7   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       268    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     266      Missing cases      2


(if registered in Mass and voted in election)
For which candidate did you vote for Senator of Massachusetts?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Weld                            1        78     20.5     32.9     32.9
Kerry                           2       155     40.7     65.4     98.3
Some other candidate            3         4      1.0      1.7    100.0
                                .       132     34.6   Missing
dk/refused                      4        12      3.1   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       381    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     237      Missing cases    144



(all voters)
When you voted in this election, were the political candidates you voted 
for ALL REPUBLICANS, ALL DEMOCRATS, OR A MIXTURE OF CANDIDATES FROM VARIOUS 
POLITICAL PARTIES?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

All Republicans                 1         8      3.0      3.0      3.0
All Democrats                   2        90     33.6     33.6     36.6
Mixture                         3       170     63.4     63.4    100.0
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       268    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     268      Missing cases      0


I am going to read a list of qualities that some people think are important 
in a president.  Please indicate how important each quality is TO YOU PERSONALLY.

Being Trustworthy
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       372     78.6     78.8     78.8
Somewhat important              2        93     19.7     19.7     98.5
Somewhat unimportant            3         5      1.1      1.1     99.6
Very unimportant                4         2       .4       .4    100.0
dk/refused                      5         1       .2   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     472      Missing cases      1


Being faithful to one's spouse
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       173     36.6     36.7     36.7
Somewhat important              2       190     40.2     40.3     77.1
Somewhat unimportant            3        66     14.0     14.0     91.1
Very unimportant                4        42      8.9      8.9    100.0
dk/refused                      5         2       .4   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     471      Missing cases      2


Looking good on camera
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1        19      4.0      4.1      4.1
Somewhat important              2       107     22.6     22.8     26.9
Somewhat unimportant            3       136     28.8     29.0     55.9
Very unimportant                4       207     43.8     44.1    100.0
dk/refused                      5         4       .8   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     469      Missing cases      4


Being "in touch" with the American public
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       415     87.7     88.3     88.3
Somewhat important              2        47      9.9     10.0     98.3
Somewhat unimportant            3         3       .6       .6     98.9
Very unimportant                4         5      1.1      1.1    100.0
dk/refused                      5         3       .6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     470      Missing cases      3


Having prior military service
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1        34      7.2      7.3      7.3
Somewhat important              2       145     30.7     31.0     38.2
Somewhat unimportant            3       148     31.3     31.6     69.9
Very unimportant                4       141     29.8     30.1    100.0
dk/refused                      5         5      1.1   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     468      Missing cases      5


Being under 65 years of age
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1        70     14.8     14.9     14.9
Somewhat important              2       178     37.6     38.0     52.9
Somewhat unimportant            3        99     20.9     21.1     74.0
Very unimportant                4       122     25.8     26.0    100.0
dk/refused                      5         4       .8   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     469      Missing cases      4


Having strong moral character
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       314     66.4     67.0     67.0
Somewhat important              2       142     30.0     30.3     97.2
Somewhat unimportant            3         9      1.9      1.9     99.1
Very unimportant                4         4       .8       .9    100.0
dk/refused                      5         4       .8   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     469      Missing cases      4



Having prior experience in political office
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       305     64.5     64.9     64.9
Somewhat important              2       133     28.1     28.3     93.2
Somewhat unimportant            3        21      4.4      4.5     97.7
Very unimportant                4        11      2.3      2.3    100.0
dk/refused                      5         3       .6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     470      Missing cases      3


Having prior experience in foreign affairs
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       264     55.8     56.2     56.2
Somewhat important              2       188     39.7     40.0     96.2
Somewhat unimportant            3        11      2.3      2.3     98.5
Very unimportant                4         7      1.5      1.5    100.0
dk/refused                      5         3       .6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     470      Missing cases      3


Please indicate how important each of the following election issues 
is TO YOU PERSONALLY.

Crime
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       260     55.0     55.2     55.2
Somewhat important              2       185     39.1     39.3     94.5
Somewhat unimportant            3        20      4.2      4.2     98.7
Very unimportant                4         6      1.3      1.3    100.0
                                .         1       .2   Missing
dk/refused                      5         1       .2   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     471      Missing cases      2


The Economy
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       347     73.4     73.7     73.7
Somewhat important              2       111     23.5     23.6     97.2
Somewhat unimportant            3        10      2.1      2.1     99.4
Very unimportant                4         3       .6       .6    100.0
                                .         1       .2   Missing
dk/refused                      5         1       .2   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     471      Missing cases      2



Welfare
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       214     45.2     45.4     45.4
Somewhat important              2       196     41.4     41.6     87.0
Somewhat unimportant            3        41      8.7      8.7     95.8
Very unimportant                4        20      4.2      4.2    100.0
                                .         1       .2   Missing
dk/refused                      5         1       .2   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     471      Missing cases      2


Foreign policy

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       146     30.9     31.1     31.1
Somewhat important              2       270     57.1     57.4     88.5
Somewhat unimportant            3        42      8.9      8.9     97.4
Very unimportant                4        12      2.5      2.6    100.0
                                .         1       .2   Missing
dk/refused                      5         2       .4   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     470      Missing cases      3


The Budget Deficit
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       253     53.5     53.9     53.9
Somewhat important              2       166     35.1     35.4     89.3
Somewhat unimportant            3        36      7.6      7.7     97.0
Very unimportant                4        14      3.0      3.0    100.0
                                .         1       .2   Missing
dk/refused                      5         3       .6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     469      Missing cases      4


Abortion
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       188     39.7     40.1     40.1
Somewhat important              2       171     36.2     36.5     76.5
Somewhat unimportant            3        66     14.0     14.1     90.6
Very unimportant                4        44      9.3      9.4    100.0
                                .         1       .2   Missing
dk/refused                      5         3       .6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     469      Missing cases      4


Taxes 
                                                       Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       241     51.0     51.2     51.2
Somewhat important              2       195     41.2     41.4     92.6
Somewhat unimportant            3        30      6.3      6.4     98.9
Very unimportant                4         5      1.1      1.1    100.0
                                .         1       .2   Missing
dk/refused                      5         1       .2   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     471      Missing cases      2


Affirmative Action
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       138     29.2     29.4     29.4
Somewhat important              2       228     48.2     48.6     78.0
Somewhat unimportant            3        66     14.0     14.1     92.1
Very unimportant                4        37      7.8      7.9    100.0
                                .         1       .2   Missing
dk/refused                      5         3       .6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     469      Missing cases      4


Family Values
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very important                  1       185     39.1     39.3     39.3
Somewhat important              2       180     38.1     38.2     77.5
Somewhat unimportant            3        66     14.0     14.0     91.5
Very unimportant                4        40      8.5      8.5    100.0
                                .         1       .2   Missing
dk/refused                      5         1       .2   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     471      Missing cases      2


I am going to read you a list of general areas which comprise our federal 
budget.  Please indicate whether you think the federal government currently 
spends Too Much, Not Enough, or About the Right Amount of money in each area.

The Environment
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Too much money                  1        27      5.7      6.1      6.1
Not enough money                2       299     63.2     67.3     73.4
About the right amount          3       118     24.9     26.6    100.0
                                .         2       .4   Missing
dk/refused                      4        27      5.7   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     444      Missing cases     29


Health Care

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Too much money                  1        31      6.6      6.9      6.9
Not enough money                2       309     65.3     69.1     76.1
About the right amount          3       107     22.6     23.9    100.0
                                .         2       .4   Missing
dk/refused                      4        24      5.1   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     447      Missing cases     26


Poverty
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Too much money                  1        36      7.6      8.0      8.0
Not enough money                2       326     68.9     72.8     80.8
About the right amount          3        86     18.2     19.2    100.0
                                .         2       .4   Missing
dk/refused                      4        23      4.9   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     448      Missing cases     25


Foreign Aid
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Too much money                  1       277     58.6     63.0     63.0
Not enough money                2        33      7.0      7.5     70.5
About the right amount          3       130     27.5     29.5    100.0
                                .         2       .4   Missing
dk/refused                      4        31      6.6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     440      Missing cases     33


Crime
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Too much money                  1        43      9.1      9.6      9.6
Not enough money                2       237     50.1     53.0     62.6
About the right amount          3       167     35.3     37.4    100.0
                                .         2       .4   Missing
dk/refused                      4        24      5.1   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     447      Missing cases     26


Education
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Too much money                  1         8      1.7      1.7      1.7
Not enough money                2       407     86.0     88.7     90.4
About the right amount          3        44      9.3      9.6    100.0
                                .         2       .4   Missing
dk/refused                      4        12      2.5   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     459      Missing cases     14


Defense
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Too much money                  1       274     57.9     60.9     60.9
Not enough money                2        36      7.6      8.0     68.9
About the right amount          3       140     29.6     31.1    100.0
                                .         2       .4   Missing
dk/refused                      4        21      4.4   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     450      Missing cases     23


Of the two presidential debates and one vice-presidential debate, 
how many did you watch?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

None                            1       172     36.4     36.8     36.8
One                             2       155     32.8     33.2     70.0
Two                             3       100     21.1     21.4     91.4
All three                       4        40      8.5      8.6    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
dk/refused                      5         3       .6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     467      Missing cases      6


How interested were you in this year's presidential election?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Very interested                 1        95     20.1     20.3     20.3
Somewhat interested             2       234     49.5     49.9     70.1
Somewhat uninterested           3        91     19.2     19.4     89.6
Very uninterested               4        49     10.4     10.4    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
dk/refused                      5         1       .2   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     469      Missing cases      4


During the past month, how often have you read newspapers for national news?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

At least once per day           1        85     18.0     18.2     18.2
Every couple of days            2       184     38.9     39.3     57.5
About once per week             3       110     23.3     23.5     81.0
Less than once per week         4        89     18.8     19.0    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
dk/refused                      5         2       .4   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     468      Missing cases      5


During the past month, how often have you watched national news on television?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

At lease once per day           1       141     29.8     30.3     30.3
Every couple of days            2       172     36.4     37.0     67.3
About once per week             3        82     17.3     17.6     84.9
Less than once per week         4        70     14.8     15.1    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
dk/refused                      5         5      1.1   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       473    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     465      Missing cases      8


The following few questions ask for demographic information.  This 
information allows us to compare differences, if any, between groups.

Are you a:
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

First-year student              1       151     31.3     31.6     31.6
Sophomore                       2       100     20.7     20.9     52.5
Junior                          3       110     22.8     23.0     75.5
Senior                          4       100     20.7     20.9     96.4
Fifth year senior               5        17      3.5      3.6    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
dk/refused                      6         1       .2   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       482    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     478      Missing cases      4


What is your age?
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

                               17        10      2.1      2.1      2.1
                               18       127     26.3     26.5     28.6
                               19       101     21.0     21.1     49.7
                               20        77     16.0     16.1     65.8
                               21        85     17.6     17.7     83.5
                               22        35      7.3      7.3     90.8
                               23        12      2.5      2.5     93.3
                               24        10      2.1      2.1     95.4
                               25         6      1.2      1.3     96.7
                               26         1       .2       .2     96.9
                               27         3       .6       .6     97.5
                               28         1       .2       .2     97.7
                               30         3       .6       .6     98.3
                               32         1       .2       .2     98.5
                               40         1       .2       .2     98.7
                               42         1       .2       .2     99.0
                               43         1       .2       .2     99.2
                               45         1       .2       .2     99.4
                               51         1       .2       .2     99.6
                               62         1       .2       .2     99.8
                               99         1       .2       .2    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       482    100.0    100.0

Mean         20.407
Valid cases     479      Missing cases      3


How would you characterize your political views in general?  Would you 
say that you are -

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Far left                        1        30      6.2      6.6      6.6
Liberal                         2       153     31.7     33.6     40.2
Middle-of-the-road              3       216     44.8     47.5     87.7
Conservative                    4        47      9.8     10.3     98.0
Far right                       5         9      1.9      2.0    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
dk/refused                      6        24      5.0   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       482    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     455      Missing cases     27


What is your religion or spiritual orientation?
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

African Methodist Episcopal     1         1       .2       .2       .2
Agnostic                        2        11      2.3      2.3      2.5
Baha'i                          6         1       .2       .2      2.7
Baptist                         7         6      1.2      1.3      4.0
Buddhist                        9         2       .4       .4      4.4
Catholic/Roman Catholic        10       220     45.6     45.9     50.3
Christian                      11        22      4.6      4.6     54.9
Episcopalian                   15         2       .4       .4     55.3
Greek Orthodox                 17         2       .4       .4     55.7
Jehovah's Witness              20         1       .2       .2     55.9
Jewish                         21        25      5.2      5.2     61.2
Lutheran                       22         1       .2       .2     61.4
Methodist                      23         3       .6       .6     62.0
Muslim                         25         1       .2       .2     62.2
Orthodox                       26         4       .8       .8     63.0
Pagan                          27         3       .6       .6     63.7
Protestant                     30        37      7.7      7.7     71.4
Unitarian                      40         4       .8       .8     72.2
Other                          43         9      1.9      1.9     74.1
Atheist-not religious/
   spiritual - none            97        86     17.8     18.0     92.1
Not applicable                 98        14      2.9      2.9     95.0
refused/don't know             99        24      5.0      5.0    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       482    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     479      Missing cases      3


Which of the following best describes your race or ethnicity?

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Biracial, or Multi-racial       1        13      2.7      2.8      2.8
African-American, or Black      2        11      2.3      2.3      5.1
Asian-American, or Pacific
    Islander                    3        21      4.4      4.4      9.5
Latino/Hispanic/Chicano         4         8      1.7      1.7     11.2
Native American, or N. or S.
    American Indian or 
    Alaskan                     5         4       .8       .8     12.1
White, or Caucasian             6       404     83.8     85.6     97.7
Other                           7        11      2.3      2.3    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
dk/refused                      8         7      1.5   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       482    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     472      Missing cases     10


Do you live in -
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Northeast/Sylvan                1        59     12.2     12.4     12.4
Orchard Hill/Central            2       108     22.4     22.6     35.0
Southwest                       3       149     30.9     31.2     66.2
Fraternity or Sorority          5         5      1.0      1.0     67.3
Hillel                          6         1       .2       .2     67.5
Off campus                      7       155     32.2     32.5    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
dk/refused                      8         2       .4   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       482    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     477      Missing cases      5


Into which of the following categories does your parents' or guardians' 
yearly income fall?
                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

less than $24,999               1        26      5.4      6.7      6.7
$25,000 to $39,999              2        77     16.0     19.8     26.5
$40,000 to $49,999              3        43      8.9     11.1     37.5
$50,000 to $59,999              4        58     12.0     14.9     52.4
$60,000 to $74,999              5        63     13.1     16.2     68.6
$75,000 to $99,999              6        68     14.1     17.5     86.1
$100,000 to $149,999            7        38      7.9      9.8     95.9
$150,000 or more                8        16      3.3      4.1    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
Refused to answer               9        23      4.8   Missing
Don't know                     10        67     13.9   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       482    100.0    100.0

Mean          4.262
Valid cases     389      Missing cases     93


Interviewer:  Is the respondent -

                                                        Valid     Cum
Value Label                 Value  Frequency  Percent  Percent  Percent

Female                          1       231     47.9     48.2     48.2
Male                            2       248     51.5     51.8    100.0
                                .         3       .6   Missing
                                     -------  -------  -------
                            Total       482    100.0    100.0

Valid cases     479      Missing cases      3