One of the United States’ most important events is imminently closing in on us. No, I’m not talking about the 3G iPhone launch, although I have a feeling that more people actually care about the next-generation iPhone than went out to vote during our last election period. No, the most important near-term event for US citizens is the upcoming Presidential election.
A poll from Virgin Mobile USA reveals that most of their subscriber base will likely vote Obama as our next Commander-in-Chief. Turns out that 40% of the 20,000 or so subscribers polled will check the box for Obama, with Clinton following with only 18% of voters. It should be noted that most (54%) of those polled fell in to the 18-25 demographic, with the entire 26 to “and over” age bracket accounting for 34%.
The most pressing issue (25%) is apparently the economy, with the war coming in as a close second (20%). Interestingly, it seems that 57% of Virgin Mobile USA’s subscribers would be willing to vote via SMS text message. And, the ability to vote through text message would increase the likelihood of voting (55%).
The poll doesn’t address the security concerns related to a Presidential election conducted via SMS text message, but it’s interesting to see that most people (if Virgin Mobile USA’s 18-25 year old, Obama-loving subscriber-base can be extrapolated to the general public) would not only be willing to vote through text, but that this particular medium would likely increase voter turnout.
Security and pragmatic concerns aside, would you be more likely to vote is SMS text message voting was an option?