58% say religion will play a role in whom they support for president

A new survey conducted by Religion News Service (RNS) gives insights into American’s intentions and sentiments as we approach the 2024 Presidential Election. Among the most significant findings: more than half (52%) of respondents, and 57% of Millennial respondents, say they will pray before voting on Election Day.

A majority (58%) also say that religion will play anywhere from an essential to important role in whom they will support for President. Nearly a quarter (21%) say it will play an essential role. Three quarters of respondents say their religious faith is to some degree helpful in dealing with the stress and uncertainties during this election period. Virtually all respondents (89%) say that it is somewhat to extremely important to understand different religions.

Other Key Findings:

Religious division is apparent – starting at home

• The majority of respondents (84%) say that religion has created divisions in our country.
• 20% say religion causes conflict in their families, with 36% of Gen Z and nearly one third of Millennials saying that’s the case. Men and women equally said it caused family conflict.
• One-third of respondents, and 46% of Gen Z – the highest percentage, say they witnessed religious discrimination in their community within the past year.

Relationships and religious understanding

• The vast majority (80%) of respondents say they have close friends or acquaintances of different faiths; this generally holds true across demographics – male/female, generational (e.g., Gen Z, Boomers), and income.
• Nearly all (89%) say that it is very or extremely important to understand different religions.

Religion’s impact on society

• Respondents say that religion plays a role in how they think about and participate in the following issues:
  • Politics (34%)
  • Global issues (27%)
  • Charitable works (27%)
  • Education (25%)
• About half (51%) say religion plays a mostly negative role in politics, but that it plays a mostly positive role in the following areas:
  • Charitable works (85%)
  • Healthcare (70%)
  • Arts & Entertainment (67%)
  • Education (66%)
  • Global issues (62%)

Full survey findings available upon request, along with information on Religion News Service marking its 90th anniversary. We can also arrange interviews with RNS expert spokespeople. Media Contact: Micah Carroll — [email protected] — 989.492.6785

About Religion News Service (RNS)
Religion News Service is an independent nonprofit news organization that provides objective, in-depth religion reporting and commentary by a team of professional journalists. Founded in 1934, RNS’ mission is to improve understanding and foster discussion about religion, faith, and beliefs in everyday life. Its journalism is available for free on its website and through its podcasts, newsletters, and social media. To learn more, visit RNS.org.

Methodology
On behalf of Religion News Service, Researchscape International conducted an online survey of 1,087 U.S. adults from August 16 to 19, 2024. The data was weighted to the U.S. population by 11 demographic questions. The credibility interval for questions answered by all respondents is ±4 percentage points.

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