October Florida Polling of Likely Voters

October 11 – 12, 2014

Executive Summary

Winter Springs, Fla. – Continually dropping approval numbers for Barack Obama yet increasing support for Hillary Clinton highlight a recent Gravis Marketing survey completed in The State of Florida. Gravis Marketing, a nonpartisan research firm based in Winter Springs, Fla. conducted a random survey of 1,023 likely registered voters regarding current or potential election match-ups. The poll was completed using Gravis Marketing IVR Telephone Technology and has a margin of error of ± 3%.

Those surveyed represented all three major political affiliations including, 37 percent being Democratic party members, 36 percent that align as Republicans and 27 percent that stated they were Independent voters.

Federal Politics Recap

Over the past few weeks, the job approval numbers for President Barack Obama have steadily continued to dwindle. Gravis Marketing asked 1,023 likely registered voters in Florida, “Do approve or disapprove of President Obama’s job performance?” The results indicated that 56 percent of those polled held an unfavorable opinion about the President’s job approval, 37 percent support the President’s job approval while only 7 percent indicated that they were unsure.

The likely voters in Florida were then asked about their opinions on potential match-ups for the 2016 Presidential election. In both potential match-ups, the Democratic candidate was Hillary Clinton who was paired up against former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and current Florida State Senator Marco Rubio.

When asked to choose between Clinton and Bush, the potential Democratic candidate Clinton held a minor lead; capturing 37 percent of the voters support. 36 percent support Former Gov. Jeb Bush while a large percentage – (28) indicated that they were ‘unsure’ as to whom they would vote for in 2016. The Gravis Marketing poll then asked about the match-ups between Clinton and Rubio. In this case, 43 percent selected Clinton, 35 percent would vote for Rubio and 22 percent remain uncertain.

State of Florida Politics

The potential voters in Florida were then asked about their opinions on who they would support for Governor in the upcoming November 4th, 2014 general election. The voting panel was asked, “If the election for Governor were held today, who would you vote for?” 44 percent stated they would support Rick Scott, 42 percent stated they would cast a vote for Charlie Crist while 14 percent indicated that they are still uncertain.

The final question in the Gravis Marketing survey asked voters about their opinion on an important ballet initiative that will appear on the November 2014 Florida ballot; “If the 2014 election were held today, how would you vote for the current amendment Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions?”

This amendment allows the medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating diseases as determined by a licensed Florida physician, and allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers. Applies only to Florida law. Does not authorize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana.

According the results of the Gravis Marketing poll, 55 percent would vote for this amendment, 39 percent would vote against the amendment and only 7 percent remain unsure. Gravis Marketing founder Cherie Bereta Hymel stated, “It’s surprising how little support the Medical Marijuana amendment is receiving. There was a time back in February that they were looking for 70-80 percent support; now it’ll be lucky if the initiative receives above the magic 60% approval. It seems that the proponents of this ballet initiative might have put the cart ahead of the horse. We’ll soon find out.”

How likely are you to vote in the General Election on November 4, 2014?

Do approve or disapprove of President Obama’s job performance?

If the election for Governor were held today, who would you vote for?

If the 2014 election were held today, how would you vote for the current amendment Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions?
BALLOT SUMMARY: Allows the medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating diseases as determined by a licensed Florida physician. Allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers. Applies only to Florida law. Does not authorize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana. Would you vote for or against the amendment?