What do you believe to be the most important issue in politics right now? Everyone has a difference of opinion. TvPoll.com studied these differences and compared the disparities among different genders and political parties in a recent poll. The survey, conducted from January 19-20, has the responses of 765 likely voters and has a margin of error of +/-3.54 points.

This poll asked one question, among many others, that allowed respondents to express their primary concerns in the current presidential election. “Which of the following issues is most important to you when deciding who you will vote for in the upcoming presidential race?” is how the question was worded in the poll. The answer options provided were: the war in Iraq, immigration reform, the economy, traditional values or the personal traits of the candidate. The most pressing issue appears to be the economy because 31% responded in this fashion. Another important issue expressed was the war in Iraq with 24% of the responses.

At the end of this instrument, respondents were also asked a series of demographic questions including gender and political party identification, among others. Of the males who participated, 25% claimed that they believe the war in Iraq was the forefront issue. Not only did the opinion of the females who participated differ, a greater proportion of this group shared this differing opinion. Thirty four per cent of females believe that the Economy is the most important issue in this election.

This study also compared how people of each political party responded to this question. It seems that the Democrats closely mirrored the females polled. Thirty nine per cent of this polled party claimed that the economy is the major concern. Independents share this same belief by responding with 48% and Republicans showed that traditional values vastly affects their primary election behavior with 28%. The economy is the prevailing issue than many feel is important.

Although some of these groups overlap since a male can also be a Democrat, for example, it may be important to note that three of the five groups just described expressed the economy as the most important issue when deciding on who to vote for as President. The largest gap and, perhaps, the strongest opinions existed among the different political parties with the Independents voicing the strongest opinion about the economy.

For exact results, please visit the link below.