The document summarizes the results of a voter attitude survey conducted in Illinois from August to November 2015 regarding primary election systems and redistricting reform. Key findings include that 73% of respondents felt the current political environment does not produce effective elected officials. A majority (51.82%) supported changing to an open top-two primary system over the current Illinois system or closed primaries. Respondents also strongly agreed (55.81%) that political parties have become too powerful and a nonpartisan top-two system would give power back to voters. Additionally, most respondents were unaware (58%) of redistricting reform efforts but said they would support (89%) an independent redistricting commission amendment.
2. About Open Primaries
Illinois Poll Results
December 2015
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Open Primaries represents a movement of Americans working to end partisanship and polarization
in politics through reform of the primary election system. We are a national voter empowerment
nonprofit that advocates for open, nonpartisan primary systems, counters efforts to impose closed
primaries, and builds coalitions of activists across the country. Our mission is to bridge the gap
between the American people and government by creating more platforms for voters’ voices to be
heard.
3. Methodology and Respondents
■ Open Primaries conducted a statewide phone survey of voters in Illinois from 11 Aug 2015- 11 Nov
2015. Our list consisted of an equal number of registered voters who are self-identified as Democrats,
Republicans, and Independents.
■ Open Primaries wanted to gauge voters’ opinion on the political environment in Illinois and provide
voter education about nonpartisan reform.
■ The survey had 505 respondents, detailed below.
Illinois Poll Results
December 2015
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Respondents’ Self-Identified Affiliations:
Independent 120
Democrat 182
Republican 203
Total: 505
4. Insights and Takeaways
■ Respondents to this survey indicated strong favorability for reform, both of the
primary system and redistricting.
■ There was also a strong sense of dissatisfaction with government and the
current political environment.
■ Overall, the impression was that voters in Illinois are ready for action and tired of
partisan posturing and stonewalling.
Illinois Poll Results
December 2015
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6. Key Findings
In Illinois, voters do not have to be members of a political party to vote in the primaries, but they must
choose one party’s ballot. Illinois has nonpartisan voter registration, meaning there is no option for voters
to register with parties when signing up to vote. Instead, voters must publically declare party preference
at the polls. This is considered a public declaration and can be challenged by others. In lieu of partisan
registration, this public declaration is used by parties to track voters, produce mailing lists, and in some
cases even blacklist ‘detractors’.
I think it's fine I think it's a
flawed system
Haven't thought
much about it
26.58%
38.65%
34.76%
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF PARTY
PREFERENCE?
IL Primary Open Primaries Top Two Closed
15.45%
29.77%
51.82%
2.95%
WHICH PRIMARY SYSTEM DO YOU
SUPPORT?
Illinois Poll Results
December 2015
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7. Key Findings
76%
24%
WOULD YOU SUPPORT A BALLOT
INITIATIVE TO ENACT TOP TWO?
Yes
No
We asked our respondents to agree or disagree with the following statement:
The political parties have become too powerful and have rigged the system in their favor.
What we need is a nonpartisan Top Two system which would take power away from the
parties and give it back to the voters. This system would force politicians to represent people
not parties because candidates have to appeal to all voters.
Strongly
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
Neutral Somewhat
disagree
Strongly
Disagree
55.81%
25.28%
4.78% 3.42%
10.71%
AGREE OR DISAGREE?
Illinois Poll Results
December 2015
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8. Additional Findings
■ In addition to questions about primaries, we asked the voters about an ongoing
effort by Independent Maps to reform the way legislative districts are drawn.
Illinois Poll Results
December 2015
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42%
58%
ARE YOU AWARE THERE'S AN
EFFORT UNDERWAY TO
REFORM THE WAY ELECTORAL
DISTRICTS ARE DRAWN?
Yes
No
89%
11%
WOULD YOU VOTE FOR AN
AMENDMENT TO CREATE AN
INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING
COMMISSION IN ILLINOIS?
Yes
No
