The Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Vote in 2006

Publication Date: October 2006

Publisher:

Author(s): Gary J Gates

Research Area: Politics; Population and demographics

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) voters may have a disproportionate impact in some key races in the upcoming election. An analysis of the GLB population in districts and states with competitive races shows the following: In competitive House races with a Republican incumbent, an estimated 4.2 to 4.3 percent of adults are GLB, a figure above the national estimate of 4.1 percent and higher than proportions in tight races with an open seat or Democrat incumbent. In Senate races with a Democrat incumbent, an estimated 4.5 percent of adults are GLB. Among states with voter referenda that would ban marriage for same-sex couples, Arizona and Colorado have the highest proportions of GLB residents, 4.5 and 5.1 percent, respectively, and are the only two states with GLB population proportions above the national average.