Date of Award

Spring 2007

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Political Science

Degree Name

Master of Arts

First Advisor

J Mark Wrighton

Abstract

This thesis examines whether New Hampshire's undeclared voters vote in a similar manner to registered partisans or whether New Hampshire's voting laws allow undeclared voters to act more independently. Two main hypotheses focus on how New Hampshire's undeclared voters act and whether they are more volatile than partisans. Data from pre-primary tracking polls and Election Day exit polls were used to assess actions and volatility. Two variable cross-tabulation was the primary means of data analysis.

The author concludes that New Hampshire's undeclared voters are more independent but as involved and interested in politics as their partisan counterparts. Additionally, while undeclared voters are volatile, this volatility has little impact on the outcome of the election. Candidates should approach undeclared voters in the same manner as partisans, especially since nearly 75 percent of undeclared voters lean toward supporting one party over the other the majority of the time.

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