LDS Political Identity

Members of the LDS community are known for a variety of stereotypes such as unique casseroles and green Jell-O, yet one of the most prevalent stereotypes among the LDS community is their distinct political identity.  These members or “Mormons” are known to generally possess a conservative view of politics in the United States.  However, what is the cause for the consistency of conservatism within the LDS community? Using statistical data and historical evidence this question can be explained.  Due to primordial ideological influence, the LDS community has formed a distinct conservative political identity in the United States.
Before attempting to explain the root of LDS political identity statistical evidence must be provided to establish the actuality of a distinct political ideology. As stated in the previous paragraph Mormons tend to be conservative.  According to Deseret News 59 percent of Latter-Day Saints consider themselves Republicans, while only 27 percent of the non-Latter-Day Saint population consider themselves Republicans1.  In effect this means that Latter-Day Saints are more than twice as likely to be Republicans. Many might contribute this to the fact that a large portion of the LDS population live in Utah which is a very “red” state. However, statistics for members that live outside of Utah are similar to those that live inside Utah. In a survey done by Trinity College it is reported that of Latter-Day Saints who live in Utah 66 percent consider themselves Republican and 56 percent of the Latter-Day Saints outside of Utah consider themselves Republican2. Despite a ten percent difference, Latter-Day Saints outside of Utah still have a Republican majority. These statistics suggest that conservative tendencies not only occur within Utah, but across the LDS community within the United States. It is important to note that statistics seems to suggest that Latter-Day Saints of other parties tend to maintain a somewhat conservative identity. In a survey done by BYU professor Quin Monson, it was reported that of LDS Democrats from the state of Utah 23 percent are very favorable of Mitt Romney and 19 percent are somewhat favorable of Mitt Romney3.  While it is possible that Romney has gained support of these Democrats because of his membership in the LDS church, it also shows that they are willing to support conservative candidates. This one point demonstrates the conservative LDS identity that crosses party lines.
Given the established conservative identity of the LDS community, it is important to identify the cause of this phenomenon. Among political theories, two attempt to explain political identity; the primordial theory and the constructivism theory. According to the primordial theory, a person is born with their political identity or it is shaped by family members and their community at a young age.  Contrary to the primordial theory, the constructivism theory argues that political identity is malleable and can be influenced by social influences. The primordial theory does much to explain the cause of political identity among Latter-Day Saints. At a young age LDS children are taught specific doctrines and ideologies of the LDS faith which tend to be conservative in nature.  Latter-Day Saints support conservative platforms because they are supported by religious beliefs that they have been taught from a very young age. For example both conservative parties and the LDS community support the traditional institution of marriage and oppose same-sex marriage. Primordialism continues to support the existence of a distinct LDS political identity by explaining LDS political activity.  Referring back to the Trinity College survey it is also found that overall, 84 percent of Latter-Day Saints are registered voters while only 78 percent of non-Latter-Day Saints are registered voters2. This statistic supports the assumption that Latter-Day Saints have an about average interest in politics. This tendency once again stems from primordial influences that are prevalent in the LDS community.  From the LDS church website, church leaders encourage members to, “engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner.”4 Not only are Latter-Day Saints brought up in conservative views, but these views are solidified as members are encouraged to play a part in the political process.
The LDS population in the United States holds a distinct conservative political identity. This identity has been established by the use of conservative ideologies that line up with conservative views and are strengthened by primordial influences such as family and community.


1. Joseph Walker, “New Study Confirms Many LDS Stereotypes,” Deseret News, December 15, 2011, accessed October 10, 2012, http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700207176/New-study-confirms-many-LDS-stereotypes.html?pg=all
2. Rick Phillips and Ryan T. Cragun, “Mormons in the United States 1990-2008: Socio-demographic Trends and Regional Differences,” Trinity College, accessed October 10, 2012, http://commons.trincoll.edu/aris/files/2011/12/Mormons2008.pdf.
3. Quin Monson, “Do LDS Dems like Mitt Romney?” Utah Data Points, August 22, 2012, accessed October, 10, 2012, http://utahdatapoints.com/.
4. “Political Neutrality,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed October 11, 2012, http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/official-statement/political-neutrality.