Public Insight Network

How do you talk about politics?

Politics in the Northwest are changing.

Oregon Republican Gordon Smith has split from his party by calling for the removal of troops from Iraq - while Southwest Washington Democrat Brian Baird has angered many of his constituents by saying the troops should stay.

Meanwhile, the Independent party is now the fastest growing party in Oregon .

Are your political views changing?

Tell us what's important to you... how involved you are... what sways your vote one way or another. How have personal experiences affected your decisions? Which issues do you prioritize and why? What shapes your opinion? Your answers will inform our coverage in this political season.

Share what you know!

* indicates required field

E-mail *

First Name *

Last Name *

Street Address

City

State

Postal Code *

Country

Phone *

How would you describe your own level of political engagement? *

Very active and engaged (vote in every election, research races extensively)
Somewhat active and engaged (vote in most elections, do some research on races)
Somewhere in the middle (vote sometimes, occasionally research races)
Not very active or engaged (rarely vote)
Disaffected, disconnected (tune out politics, don't care)

Has your level of political engagement changed over the past several years? If so, how?

Do you plan to vote in the 2008 elections?

Yes

No

Not sure yet

Beyond voting, how do you participate in the political process?

I donate money to candidates
I donate money to politically-oriented causes
I volunteer for campaigns
I blog
I'm running or have run for elected office
I'm seeking to become a convention delegate
I'm not engaged in the political process
Other

If you checked "other," please explain.

Here's a partial list of issues polls indicate are important to Americans. Which are at the top of your mind this campaign season?

Economy
Education
Other

Iraq war
Moral/social issues

Terrorism
Immigration

If you checked "other," which topics not listed above are important to you this campaign season?

With whom do you talk about politics?

With family
With co-workers
With anyone who will listen

With friends
With neighbors
Other

If you checked "other," please explain

Do you ever talk about politics with people who are in a different place on the political spectrum? Please describe those conversations.

Please tell us about your party affiliation.

I'm a registered Republican
I'm a registered Democrat
I'm a registered Libertarian
I'm registered with the Green party
I'm registered with another minority party
I'm registered as unaffiliated

Have you ever changed party affiliations? When and why?

Where do you fall on the political spectrum?

Far left
Center
Far right

Left
Right of center

Left of center
Right

If you are registered with a political party, do you have any major disagreements with it?

What personal experiences or other factors have affected your political outlook?

What are your top three sources of information about politics and elections?

Alternative media
Newspaper (local)
Political mailings and events
Public radio
Network television
Other

Blogs
Newspaper (national)
Commercial radio
Cable television
Public television

If other, please explain.

What else should we know?

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