Politics
Indiana Democrats report stronger election enthusiasm than Republicans, survey finds
A survey of 839 likely Indiana voters found Democrats more eager to vote than Republicans or independents. The poll also recorded net-negative job ratings for President Donald Trump and Gov. Mike Braun, with corruption and living costs the top voter concerns.
Indiana Democrats are reporting greater enthusiasm for this year’s election than Republicans or independents, according to a survey of likely voters released Oct. 15 by Free Press Indiana.
Fifty-eight percent of Democratic respondents said they were more excited to vote than in previous elections. That share was 34% among Republicans and 24% among independents, the survey found.
The results come as early voting is underway ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3. Hoosiers are choosing congressional representatives and a secretary of state, among other offices, and voting on school referendums and local races.
The survey included 839 likely voters who had voted in at least one general election between 2018 and 2024, or who registered after 2024. Respondents were surveyed the previous week.
The poll also found more respondents disapproved than approved of the job Trump is doing: 54% disapproved and 44% approved. Nearly half of those surveyed identified as Republicans or said they lean Republican. Government corruption was the most frequently named concern, at 24%, followed by inflation and the cost of living, at 20%.
In state-level ratings, 48% disapproved of Braun’s performance as governor and 38% approved. Forty-seven percent said Indiana was headed in the wrong direction, while 35% said it was on the right track. Braun’s office did not respond to a request for comment on the survey results.
Higher enthusiasm could contribute to stronger turnout, but the survey measures respondents’ reported excitement, not how many will ultimately cast ballots. Turnout will shape contests ranging from statewide offices to school and local races.