PRINCETON, NJ -- While more than nine in 10 Americans would vote for a presidential candidate who is black, a woman, Catholic, Hispanic, or Jewish, significantly smaller percentages would vote for one who is an atheist (54%) or Muslim (58%). Americans' willingness to vote for a Mormon (80%) or gay or lesbian (68%) candidate falls between these two extremes.
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Gallup's history on this question shows growing acceptance for all other types of candidates over time. That includes atheists, whose acceptability as candidates surpassed 50% for the first time last summer but have typically ranked at the bottom of the list whenever the question has been asked.
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Gallup also finds wide differences in support for various presidential candidates by age. At least seven in 10 young adults, those under age 30, would vote for a presidential candidate of any background. However, fewer than half of senior citizens would vote for a candidate who is gay, an atheist, or Muslim.
MORE: http://www.gallup.com/poll/155285/Atheists-Muslims-Bias-Presidential-Candidates.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=All%20Gallup%20Headlines?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=gallupnews&utm_campaign=syndication
See also...
Atheists have chance of becoming president
When the question was first asked in 1958, Gallup reported, only 18 percent said they would be willing to vote for an atheist; but the number stands at 54 percent today.
MORE: http://www.examiner.com/article/atheists-have-chance-of-becoming-president
And...
More Than 50% of Americans Would Vote for an Atheist Presidential Candidate -- But Would You?
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/more-than-50-of-americans-would-vote-for-an-atheist-presidential-candidate-but-would-you/
Atheists, Muslims See Most Bias as Presidential Candidates
http://www.gallup.com/poll/155285/Atheists-Muslims-Bias-Presidential-Candidates.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=syndication
