2012 Presidential Election: Tracking the Candidates on Poverty

More people are living in poverty now than ever before, at least since records were kept. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 46 million Americans were living in poverty in 2011, which for a family of four means an annual income of less than $22,100 a year. All this, and in four weeks citizens across the country will hit the polls to vote in the 2012 presidential election. Incumbent President Barack Obama is running for a second and final term during this election. His major challenger is former Massachusetts Governor, Republican Mitt Romney.
 
Released in January, Poverty, the Media and Election 2012: What Do Voters Think?, reveals the results of a survey of likely voters’ views on poverty and opportunity in the context of the 2012 presidential campaign. The report provides a snapshot of opinions provided by the survey, as well as by other public opinion polls on similar topics. Within this context, the report discussed five key findings in particular:

1. Voters strongly said candidates’ views on poverty are important in deciding their vote for president. 
2. Nearly half of voters said they have not heard enough from presidential candidates about reducing poverty.
3. Half of voters said they have not heard enough from the media about reducing poverty during the presidential campaign.  
4. Voters strongly said candidates’ positions on equal opportunity for children of all races are important in deciding their vote for president.  
5. Voters tended to say children of all races do not currently have equal access to opportunity.

While poverty may not be a significant electoral issue, the findings in this poll suggested that voters are interested in hearing more about poverty and equal opportunity from candidates and the media, and that poverty and opportunity may play a role in their vote.
 
This was welcomed news to the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina which serves as an advocate for the poor and underserved in South Carolina. Educating and serving as a resource for both the community and public policy makers on issues affecting the poor is one way the Foundation engages in the public policy process. As we approach the November election, it is important to know the candidates’ views on poverty issues.
 
There is one organization tracking and sharing this information. Over the past few months, Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity was tracking all candidates on poverty-related issues, from quotes to policy statements to media interaction. It is now covering the official nominees from the Democratic and Republican parties, Obama and Romney. Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity is a non-partisan initiative that brings together diverse perspectives from the political, policy, advocacy and foundation communities to find solutions to reduce poverty in America.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012, marks the conclusion of the 57th presidential race with voters heading to the polls to cast their vote for the next president. Before you visit the polls, find out where each candidate stands on issues of both poverty and economic opportunity.

Please note that the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. This resource is one means to assist voters in analyzing some of the significant poverty and opportunity issues of the campaign so that they can exercise their rights in a most effective manner.

Brooke Bailey is the senior director of communications