Voters’ response to the campaign

Liñeira, R. , Henderson, A. and Delaney, L. (2017) Voters’ response to the campaign. In: Keating, M. (ed.) Debating Scotland: Issues of Independence and Union in the 2014 Referendum. Oxford University Press: Oxford, pp. 165-190. ISBN 9780198789819 (doi: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198789819.003.0010)

Abstract

This chapter reports the results of three surveys conducted for the project, and also draws on other surveys. It analyses the effects of socio-demographic factors, political orientations, and judgements about campaign issues, in voter choice. Class, age, and gender are all important, but these mostly disappear when identity is taken into account. Risk-averse electors were more inclined to vote No. There was a learning process during the campaign but there were still high levels of ignorance about the proposals at the end. Support for Yes increased during the campaign among all groups, but uncertainty about the currency remained a significant obstacle for the Yes campaign. Both before and after the referendum, the most popular choice was further devolution, although opinion is not consistent.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lineira, Dr Robert
• Authors: Liñeira, R., Henderson, A., and Delaney, L.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISBN: 9780198789819