ThinkNow Voter Insights 2026: What Campaigns Are Missing

Political campaigns and marketing teams often assume that reach equals impact. But new data from ThinkNow’s National & State Voter Report shows that voter behavior is far more complex. With over 8,000 respondents across key states, the findings reveal gaps between consumption and participation, highlight segmentation differences by audience, and uncover economic concerns that unite voters across party lines.

Download the full report here.

1. Consumption ≠ Participation

One of the most striking insights: 35% of voters watch political videos, but only 24% engage in online discussions. Among independents, the gap is even wider = 29% consume vs. 16% participate. Latino voters show high consumption (54%) but lower engagement (34%). For campaigns, this means impressions do not guarantee interaction. Strategies must account for passive audiences who consume content without taking action.

2. Media Behavior = Different by Segment

The reports show that different voter groups rely on different media channels:

• Young voters in Georgia = 73% social media
• Black voters in Georgia = 54% local TV
• Spanish-dominant Latinos in L.A. County = 70% social media vs. 51% of all Latinos on local TV A “one-size-fits-all” media plan misses critical segments. Campaigns need audience-first strategies that align with each group’s preferred channels.

3. Inflation = Universal Concern

Despite differences in media and engagement, one theme cuts across all demographics: inflation. In Wisconsin, concern is nearly universal = Democrats 89%, Republicans 83%, Independents 77%. Housing affordability also emerges as a shared priority. These issues provide rare opportunities for unifying messages that resonate across partisan divides.

Why This Matters for Campaigns

The ThinkNow Voter Insights 2026 report is more than data — it is a roadmap. It shows where campaigns are overestimating engagement, where segmentation is essential, and which issues can unify diverse audiences. For marketing teams, these insights are the difference between wasted impressions and meaningful voter impact.

Download the full ThinkNow Voter Insights 2026 Report to access detailed state-by-state breakdowns, audience segmentation, and actionable recommendations for your campaign strategy.