The June 19 editorial “The Mormon test” discussed a poll showing that 25 percent of voters would be less likely to support a candidate who is Mormon. The editorial was right to say that this is unacceptable, but if The Post wants to discuss religious prejudice among voters, there is a much bigger story. The same poll also shows that 61 percent of voters would be less likely to support a candidate who does not believe in God at all.

More voters were troubled by a candidate’s lack of religious faith than by any other factor in the poll, including race, sexual orientation, lack of political experience, past drug use or marital infidelity.

In a country that cherishes religious freedom and bans religious tests for office, this widespread bias against nonbelievers is deeply troubling. At least Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman may acknowledge their religious faith and still be considered viable candidates. A nonbeliever who was honest about his or her views on religion would be politically dead in the water.

Randall D. Eliason, McLean