New poll shows abortion is a crucial issue for Democratic voters

Some political pundits are skeptical that the issue of abortion will drive voters to the polls in November, or that abortion rights ballot measures will result in more votes for Democrats.

New polling from Civiqs for Daily Kos casts doubt on that assumption, showing just how important the issue—and the candidates’ position on it—is to voters. Nearly half of respondents, or 48%, say that they would not vote for a major candidate who disagrees with them on the issue.

The breakdown by party affiliation is particularly telling: 70% of Democrats compared to 28% of Republicans and 42% of independents demand that the candidates asking for their votes for president, senator, governor, and the House of Representatives agree with them on abortion. That’s a heck of a lot more Democrats caring about choice in this election than Republicans.

It’s also where the gender gap between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump shows up. She has the support of 58% of women while 36% of them support Trump, and 57% of women say they will cast their votes based on this issue.