Americans want their leaders to represent them. By better than two to one, they want their representatives to follow the wishes of their constituents, even when constituent desires conflict with a representative's personal principles.



But can Americans judge their candidates? Maybe not. Asked in the latest Economist/YouGov Poll whether voters can make competent vote choices when it comes to candidates, 51% say "no." Independent voters are particularly cynical about their fellow voters: by 64% to 29% - more than two to one - they say voters are not capable of making those choices.
But when it comes to their capacity to choose policies, as opposed to candidates, Americans give the public a little more credit. 42% say voters are able to make competent choices when it comes to policies, 43% disagree. Republicans are the most hopeful about this.

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Do you think that voters are generally able to evaluate candidates and make competent vote choices?

Total Democrats Republicans Independents

Certainly yes

11%

12%

14%

10%

Probably yes

25%

30%

32%

19%

Probably not

38%

37%

33%

47%

Certainly not

13%

11%

14%

17%

Not sure

12%

11%

7%

7%

Do you think that voters are generally able to evaluate policies and make competent vote choices?

Total Democrats Republicans Independents

Certainly yes

13%

10%

21%

11%

Probably yes

29%

32%

35%

28%

Probably not

34%

36%

29%

41%

Certainly not

9%

10%

8%

10%

Not sure

14%

12%

7%

10%

Image source: Flickr (Frankie Roberto)

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