Geographic Polarization, Partisan Voting, And The Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage Within The Culture War

Geographic polarization arises when partisan, or like-minded, voters live in enclaves separate from voters of differing partisan behavior. Research studies at multiple scales of analysis suggest that geographic polarization most typically occurs regarding partisan voting behavior; however, few studies have analyzed polarization with a focus on policy preferences. This research examines same-sex marriage policy through two statewide issues that shared the presidential election ballot in 2004. The results of that presidential election and these two ballot initiatives are examined in Cincinnati, Ohio, and counties in its surrounding Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in both Ohio and Kentucky. A geographically polarized relationship was found between partisan results and same-sex marriage results. In addition, the findings suggest that despite a close link between partisan voting and issue voting on same-sex marriage, spatial clustering (geographic polarization) was identified of those who voted differently from their fellow partisans.