A survey released today by Americans for Tax Reform demonstrates the immense influence of the “vape vote”, referencing the millions of Americans who use vapor products to stay away from cigarettes, to impact the 2022 midterms.  

“This data conclusively proves how the vaping vote can influence elections,” said Tim Andrews, ATR’s Director of Consumer Issues, referencing a 2019 McLaughlin & Associates survey. “Vapers are very active in political issues. Almost 4 in 5 voters who vape said they are likely speak out on vaping issues. 

“Supporting consumers right to quit smoking through vaping isn’t only the morally right thing to do – it’s the politically smart thing to do. Our exclusive polling data shows that vapers are significantly more likely to vote for a candidate who opposes tax increases or flavor bans on vaping products. 

“There are 20 million adults vapers in the United States. That amounts to at least 45,000 in each Congressional district, easily enough to make the difference in a close election. Survey data found that 2 in 3 vapers are likely to vote for a candidate aligned with them on vaping policy. This is why we’ve sponsored the nonpartisan We Vape We Vote tour, aimed at amplifying the voices of vapers ahead of November.  

In 2016, Senator Ron Johnson credited his come-from-behind victory in Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate Election to the ‘vape vote’. Survey data found that vapers lean Democratic, but are willing to switch their vote for a pro-vaping candidate. There is clearly potential for vaping voters to change close races. 

“Vaping is shown to be 95% less harmful than cigarettes and has the potential to save 6.6 million American lives over the next 10 years. Supporting the right of Americans to access lifesaving vaping products should be a no-brainer for all candidates in this year’s midterms. Vaping not only saves lives – it can also save an election campaign” 

The survey was conducted by HarrisX between October 4-6, 2022, among 1,519 registered voters who used electronic vaping products within the last 30 days. The sampling error of the poll is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. Results were weighted for gender, age, income, race/ethnicity, education, and political party within the US, where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in each national population. Full results can be found here. 

Contact: Tim Andrews, Director of Consumer Issues at [email protected] or 202-549-0346.