Lesser of Two Evils? Political Organization-Public Relationship in the 2016 Election

Using a national sample of first-time voters (N = 1,465), this online survey investigated relationship theory in political public relations. Looking at one's relationship with both major U.S. political parties during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, this study seeks to determine the level of relationship and variables that might predict it. Results indicate that these first-time voters had moderate-to-low relationships with the parties. Even so, relationship with one's party is predicted by authenticity of your party's candidate and the level of credibility you assign your party.