In Presidential Election, Age Is a Factor Only Among Whites

{snip}

These results are based on an analysis of more than 15,000 Gallup Daily tracking interviews with registered voters, conducted from April 11-May 16, 2012. {snip}

{snip}

The impact of age on voting intentions is driven almost entirely by differences among non-Hispanic whites. Age makes little difference in voting preferences among nonwhites, more than 70% of whom support Obama regardless of their age category.

Support is at least marginally higher for Romney than for Obama among all age groups of whites, but rises substantially among those 40 and older, as it does among all Americans. The Republican nominee is ahead by a slim two points among whites aged 18 to 29 but by 25 points among whites aged 40 to 49.

Among nonwhites, Obama’s margin over Romney changes only slightly, ranging from 57 to 63 points.

{snip}

In 2012, age is a significant correlate of voting behavior — as has been well established in previous elections — but basically only among non-Hispanic white voters. Nonwhite voters are so strong in their support for Obama that age makes little difference.

{snip}