A Quarter of Voters
Say Environment Will Decide Their Vote
Taxes and Housing Costs also significant motivating factors
Toronto, March 3rd–
In a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll™ among 1,061
British Columbia voters, the plurality (24%) say that the environment/climate change
will determine their vote in the upcoming provincial election. Taxes (16%) and
housing costs (15%) will also significantly motivate the ballot choice of British
Columbia voters.
Issues that are not
currently motivating a significant proportion of voters include hydro rates
(5%), softwood lumber (5%), the local candidate (5%), and party loyalty (4%).
(16%) report that
none of the above issues represent their motivation and (9%) suggest that they
are don’t know what will motivate their vote.
The environment is
most likely to motivate those aged 34 and below (28%), 35-44 (30%), with an
income of $40,000-$60,000 (30%), females (28%), and have a post-graduate
education (31%). Those who say they support the Green Party (53%) are most
motivated by the environment/climate change.
Taxes are most
likely to motivate those aged 55-64 (23%), the least educated (20%), or with
some college or university (18%). Respondents who say they support the Liberals
(27%) or Conservatives (27%) are also likely to identify taxes as the most
significant factor driving their vote.
Housing costs are a
concern to those aged 34 or less (19%), 34-44 (17%), 45-54 (16%), the least
wealthy (20%), and those earning between $20,000 and $40,000 (20%).
“The environment and
climate change will determine the vote of almost a quarter of British Columbia voters.
Including sound environmental policy as a part of their platform will ensure
the contending parties move closer to what the plurality of voters consider
important to them right now,” said Dr. Lorne Bozinoff, President
of Forum Research.
Lorne Bozinoff,
Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com
or at (416) 960-9603.
