The Southern Illinois Poll: Spring 2011

The mission of the non-partisan Paul Simon Public Policy Institute polling is to provide citizens, policy-makers, and academic researchers with objective information about trends and issues facing society. <br><br>The 2011 Southern Illinois Poll interviewed 400 registered voters in 18 southern Illinois counties. The sample of voters came from the Southern Illinois counties of Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, Washington, White, and Williamson. For the entire sample, the statistical margin for error of plus or minus 4.8 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. <br> <br>Areas covered by the poll are: general outlook, approval of elected officials, Illinois budget, government impact on daily life, support for various community projects, feelings toward industries and occupational groups, local government services, abortion and marriage equality. The data also include a series of questions on feelings towards religious groups and people, including what role people of certain religions or religious people in general should play in society. Demographic information is also included, covering age, race, gender, income, political party affiliation, political ideology, employment, household income, and religious activities.