2008 Montana Primary Exit Polls

This page contains links to resources on exit poll information acquired during the June 3 primary contest in Montana.

Barack Obama, a strong favorite to win in the state, claimed victory in the state and in the wider contest very soon after the results were declared.

Fast Facts

1. Date: June 3, 2008
2. At stake: 16 delegates
3. Polls close at 8 p.m.
4. An open primary
5. Barack Obama favored in early polls
6. South Dakota held a primary on the same day, a contest Clinton won

MSNBC MT Exit Polls

1. 68% of white men voted for Obama
2. 51% of white women voted for Obama
3. 18-29 year-olds: 74% voted for Obama; 24% for Clinton
4. 30-44 year-olds: 67% voted for Obama; 30% for Clinton
5. 45-59 year-olds: 57% voted for Obama; 41% for Clinton
6. 65 and over: 49% voted for Clinton; 48% for Obama

CNN MT Exit Polls

1. 27% of voters said Obama leaving Trinity Church was important; 70% said it was not important
2. 50% of voters though Obama should pick Clinton as a running mate; 48% said he should not
3. 49% of voters said the economy was the most important issue, compared to 31% thinking Iraq and 15% thinking health care were the most important

Clinton Refuses to Drop Out

Clinton was widely expected to drop out and back Obama in his quest for the presidency on June 3. In a speech made in New York after the South Dakota results were projected, she said she would be making "no decision tonight" on the future of her campaign. Her words came after many news outlets were openly discussing Obama's victory.

Background

Though Montana's governor and two senators are both Democrats, the Republican Party has won the state by a large margin in recent presidential elections.

Early polls indicated that Barack Obama was strong favorite in the state. 16 delegates were at stake in the primary.

What Are Exit Polls?

1. A survey of voters taken immediately after they have exited the polling stations
2. Asks the voter which candidate they voted for
3. Pollsters are usually specialized private companies working for newspapers or broadcasters
4. Exit polls give an indication of the election result before the actual votes are counted

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