With a recent Pew Research Center survey showing Americans more politically polarized than at any time in the past 25 years, politicians know that every vote counts. And there are few demographics more appealing for campaigns than the fabled swing voters. The Brookings Institute defines swing voters as simply voters who could go either way – they could “swing” to either candidate. They feel no outward allegiance to the Democratic or Republican parties.
But appealing to swing voters is tougher than it sounds, because “swing voters” aren’t a singular voting bloc. If you’re a socially liberal, fiscally conservative Jay Leno or Michael Bloomberg type, you might be a swing voter (read that sentence in your best Jeff Foxworthy voice). On the other hand, swing voters could also be socially conservative, fiscally liberal anti-elitists of the Mike Huckabee mold. Thanks to issues like high unemployment, the traditionally left-leaning Millennials could become swing voters too. Or, perhaps you’re simply indescribable, like the Rent is Too Damn High Party.
Are you feeling uncertain about both major parties but you’re not sure which way you might swing? We’ve created a handy quiz just for you. We’ll tell you just what type of swing voter you are, and which candidate we feel will best suit your swing voter-y self. Enjoy!
