January 11, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid - CPOD Global Scan) - Most voters in the United States picked a presidential candidate last year and never changed their minds, according to the National Annenberg Election Survey released by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. 84 per cent of respondents say they did not consider voting for another contender.

(Angus Reid - CPOD Global Scan) - Most voters in the United States picked a presidential candidate last year and never changed their minds, according to the National Annenberg Election Survey released by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. 84 per cent of respondents say they did not consider voting for another contender.

In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. On Nov. 2, Republican incumbent George W. Bush earned a second term after securing 286 electoral votes from 31 states. Democratic nominee John Kerry earned 252 electoral votes from 19 states and the District of Columbia. 84 per cent of Bush supporters—and 85 per cent of Kerry backers—say they never thought they would vote for another candidate.

On Jan. 5, the results of the Electoral College were certified during a joint session of Congress. The process was delayed after several Democratic congressmen objected to the counting of Ohio's 20 votes, alleging irregularities. The challenge was defeated in the House of Representatives after a 267 to 31 vote, and in the Senate by a 74 to 1 vote.

Bush will be sworn in for his second four-year term on Jan. 20.

Polling Data

Did you ever think you would vote for other candidate?

	All	Bush (R)	Kerry (D)
Yes	15%	16%	15%
Never	84%	84%	85%

Source: National Annenberg Election Survey / Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 8,664 American adults, conducted from Nov. 4 to Dec. 28, 2004. Margin of error is 2 per cent.