The findings of the study released Monday by longtime Evangelical pollster George Barna and his team of researchers are based on data collected in two related surveys of a national sample of 2,000 U.S. adults during August and September 2024.
One of the surveys focused on adults who self-identified as Christians and attend church at least once per month.
Researchers found that voter enthusiasm in 2024 is significantly lower than what it was in 2020.
The reason most often given for why they were not planning to vote was a lack of interest in politics and elections. More than two-thirds gave that answer.
Over half (57%) of the respondents in the study said they dislike all the major candidates, while 55% felt none of the candidates reflect their most important views.
At least half of all respondents also felt like their one vote wouldn’t make a difference and have grown weary of the controversial nature of the voting process.
Researchers believe that if the findings “hold true” up to election day, former President Donald Trump‘s reelection is less likely and Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris‘ campaign is more likely to come away victorious.
Many Christian churches have also distanced themselves from the 2024 presidential election as they abstain even from encouraging their congregants to vote.