Poll: Approve Referendum 71 maintaining slim lead in Washington State

Approve Referendum 71
October 26, 2009
Approve Referendum 71 is maintaining its slim lead among likely Washington voters according to a Greenberg Quinlan Rosner (GQR) tracking poll commissioned by the Approve Referendum 71 campaign. Last week, GQR polled more than 500 likely voters and found 53 percent of those polled supported the “approved” position when they were read the ballot language, while only 36 percent supported the “rejected” position. In September, the margin was 51–44 percent.

According to GQR this shift suggests that the Approve side has solidified its
base in recent weeks while the Reject side is losing supporters.

"This is both good—and cautionary—news," said Approve 71 campaign chair Anne Levinson. "These results show that when voters understand what the domestic partnership law is—and the many families who will be harmed if it is repealed—they will vote to approve it.

"Yet, we also know that in an off-year election, older, more conservative voters turn out in greater numbers. While there is broad statewide support for treating all families equally, those who vote will determine the outcome of this election," Levinson continued. "This poll makes a very clear point: those who want to ensure that legal protections aren't taken away from gay and lesbian families absolutely have to vote."

Approve 71 campaign manager Josh Friedes noted that only a small
percentage of voters have turned in their ballots so far.

"What our poll shows us is that if supportive voters cast their ballots, we will win.
That's why getting fair-minded voters to cast their ballots on time is so important—we're seeing ballots from less urban parts of the state being sent in, while voters in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties are not yet mailing their ballots in large numbers,” said Friedes.

"We are also reaching out to younger voters—who often don’t vote in off year elections—to mail in their ballots," added Friedes. "Younger voters could make a big
difference since they tend to be more supportive, and many are not included in the poll because they are not considered likely voters."

"We need people to spend the five minutes to fill-out the ballot. And then we need them to actually put a stamp on the envelope—or two stamps if they live in Pierce County—and mail it."

"Basic legal protections for thousands of committed couples hinge on this simple act," concluded Friedes. "Our message is 'Vote now!'"

Support expanded domestic partnership rights in Washington here.