Voters Care About Science!

By Michael Stebbins. Originally published at Science Progress

Despite all the activities of pro-science groups such as Scientists and Engineers for America and ScienceDebate2008, most candidates for office have not put forward comprehensive science and technology policy platforms. Of course, many of us science nerds have been making the argument that S&T is at least peripherally important to just about every major issue the nation is facing, and therefore should be addressed by candidates for elected office. But we have been fighting a losing battle against the cynical perception shared by many campaigns that candidates’ positions on S&T issues do not win votes. As it turns out, they are wrong.

Scientists and Engineers for America just released the results of a poll of over 1,000 Americans on how likely they would be to support candidates based upon their positions on key science and technology issues. SEA anticipated a positive reaction to the questions, but was stunned by the overwhelmingly affirmative response. Eighty-six percent of those polled, for example, say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who is committed to preparing students with the skills they need for the 21st Century through public investments in science and technology education.

Similarly, 84 percent said they would be more likely to support a candidate who is committed to reducing the cost and improving the quality of healthcare through public investments in science and technology. And 52 percent indicated they would be much more likely to support candidates who expressed that science and technology is a priority for them.

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