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Yukoners more decided about U.S. elections than the ones at home In their Yukon poll, conducted in March 2008, DataPath Systems asked Yukoners about three possible elections – the Yukon Territorial election, the Canadian federal election and the American federal election. If the Yukon Territorial election was held today, 32% of Yukoners would be undecided on which party leader they would choose to support. If the Canadian Federal election were held today 27% would not yet have picked a Yukon candidate to support. By comparison, if they could vote in the U.S. election, 22% could not decide if the election were between McCain and Clinton and 14% would be undecided if that election were between McCain and Obama. This indicates more indecision for a Yukon election than for the U.S. one. “This does makes sense”, comments Donna Larsen DataPath partner “the Yukon Territorial one is the furthest away in time, but likely the most relevant to the voters here, so they would still be looking for information before making a decision.” So, how would the elections come out? In the Yukon Territorial race, Dennis Fentie has a strong lead with 46% of decided voters, compared to 23% for the NDP’s Todd Hardy and 21% for the Liberal’s Arthur Mitchell. Mr. Fentie continues to show a strong lead even while his popularity declined somewhat. In this poll 24% rated his performance a 4 or 5 on a 5 point scale. That is down from last Fall when he was at 29% and last Spring when he was at 31%. However, high ratings (4/5) dropped for all parties this Winter. The Liberal’s high ratings dropped from 22% last Spring to 19% last Fall and are now at 12%. The NDP was at 10% in Spring 07, jumped to 15% in the Fall, but declined back to 10%. At the federal level, Liberal Larry Bagnell leads with 55% of decided voters. The next closest party is the Conservative Party candidate Darrell Pasloski at 24%. The Green Party’s John Streicker is running slightly ahead of the NDP, (who is yet to name a candidate) at 11% vs. 9%. Currently 44% of Yukoners report that they disapprove of the way Stephen Harper is handling the job as Prime Minister, while 38% approve and 18% don’t know. And in the U.S. election, on the Democratic side of things, 40% of Yukoners would prefer to see Barack Obama get the nomination over Hillary Clinton with 22% support. 39% either do not care or do not approve of either candidate. And if, in November the election is between John McCain and Barack Obama, the Yukon would overwhelmingly support Obama (69% vs. 17% - 14% would vote for neither of them). If the election turns out to be McCain vs. Clinton it is a bit closer, however Hillary would still maintain a commanding lead with 55% of Yukoner votes, compared to 23% for McCain and 22% for neither. Back at home, Yukoners are feeling that the economy is stable (59%). Those feeling that it is in critical condition or peak condition both decreased. Results are similar to those reported at this time last year. The environment/wilderness continues to be the most important issue facing the Yukon for the third poll in a row. Previous to the spring of 2007, the economy was the number one issue. “This shows that Yukoners don’t see the economy as an issue right now, it seems to be running smoothly and so other areas increase as issues.” Added Donna Larsen. This time, for the first time, education became a major issue, and was the third highest ranked issue facing the Yukon.
The survey was conducted by DataPath Systems; an independent Yukon-based market research company. Telephone and on-line surveys were conducted with 324 Yukon residents – 155 in Whitehorse and 169 non-Whitehorse residents between March 15 and March 30th, 2008. The data is weighted to accurately represent Yukoners based on the community they live in, their age and gender. Percentages are statistically valid to +/- 5.4%, 19 times out of 20 (95% confidence). This was a non-commissioned study, paid for by DataPath Systems.
For more detailed information contact Donna Larsen at 867.660-4600.
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