MOSCOW, 18 March 2024. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the findings of a survey about what motivates Russians to participate in the Russian presidential election; the survey was commissioned by Social Research Expert Institute (EISI).
On March 15-17, Russia held presidential elections. Based on the latest pre-election survey conducted by VCIOM, eight motives for voting can be singled out. A key motive for Russians to vote in the election is their civic responsibility (39% of active electorate). Every fifth respondent says he/she wants to support their candidate/party (20%); every ninth is driven by their desire to be heard (11%). Another 9% vote to improve the situation, to solve problems in their region, whereas for 8% it is just a tradition to participate in the elections.
Motives for voting are generation-specific: Russians under 45 vote because of their civic responsibility (49% of the 18-24-year-olds; 46% of the 25-34-year-olds; 45% of the 35-44 -year-olds), whereas older generation (60+) often show loyalty to their party and go to the election to support their candidate/party (26% vs. 14-19% among other age groups). |
Supporters of the winner, Vladimir Putin, made the following five arguments: “I trust him/believe/no trust in others” – 16%, “who else to vote for/no alternative” - 16%, “I’m fine with V.V.Putin/the best president/he is coping with his duties” – 12%; “he revived the country/Russia has become a great country” – 10%; “during the SMO the ruler should not be changed” – 8%.
VCIOM-Sputnik Russian nationwide telephone survey was commissioned by Social Research Expert Institute (EISI) and conducted 14 March, 2024. A total of 1,600 Russians aged 18+ took part in the survey. Survey method: telephone interviews, stratified random sample based on a complete list of mobile phone numbers in use in Russia. Data were weighted for social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes to the wording of questions and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.
Why are you going to take part in the election? Please cite a reason (open-ended question, 1 answer, % of those who say they are willing to vote in the presidential elections; answers that gained 2% and more) | ||||||
% of active electorate | Ages 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-59 | 60 + | |
My civic responsibility | 39 | 49 | 46 | 45 | 40 | 29 |
To support my candidate / party | 20 | 18 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 26 |
So that my vote would be counted | 11 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 10 | 9 |
To change / improve the situation, to solve the problems in the region | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 13 |
I always go to the elections, it’s a tradition, I’m accustomed | 8 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
I trust the current president; I want him to continue implementing his project | 4 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
So that another candidate would not win | 2 | <1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
To change power | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Other | 2 | <1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
Don’t know | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
Why are you going to vote for V.Putin in the elections? (open-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of those who say they are willing to vote for this candidate; answers that gained 2% and more) | |
% of those who are going to vote for V.Putin | |
I trust him / believe / no trust in others | 16 |
Who else to vote for? / no one else can cope | 16 |
I'm fine with V.V.Putin / the best president / he is coping well with his duties | 12 |
He revived the country / Russia has become a great power / country is developing / stability | 10 |
The ruler should not be changed during the SMO / it should be accomplished / never swap horses crossing a stream | 8 |
I'm fine with him / he does everything the right way / I support him | 7 |
He is guided by people's interests | 7 |
I’m happy with domestic policy / infrastructure development / security | 7 |
It’s been long while he’s been in power /we got used / we know what to expect | 7 |
I like his politics / he conducts the right policy | 7 |
I like him / respect / appealing/ normal | 6 |
I’m happy with his foreign policy / he defends the country / people are afraid of him and respect him | 5 |
He has done a lot for the country / the situation has changed for the better | 5 |
Reliable / fair / honest / a strong leader | 5 |
I don’t know other candidates | 4 |
For life improvement / life has become better | 4 |
I’m happy with social policy / supporting families with many children /supporting children | 4 |
I like his preelection campaign / political program, direction / it’s closer to me than the others’ | 3 |
Attitudes to the country / He cheers for Russia / patriot | 3 |
He must finish what he has started | 3 |
Experienced | 2 |
Smart / educated | 2 |
I don’t want to change anything | 2 |
The word and the deed go hand in hand | 2 |
I like his speeches / statements / words | 2 |
Other | 5 |
Don't know | 4 |