The map allows users to manipulate turnout and voting patterns to predict the results of the 2008 election. Using 2004 exit polls, the map establishes a baseline for demographic behavior. Combining this information with data from the Census Bureau and other sources, users are also able to predict what would happen if turnout increased or decreased in these groups.

The Census doesn't collect data for religion. However, using a combination of data from Pew (which recorded voting patterns from 2004) and the CUNY American Religious Identification Survey we can establish a similar snapshot.

2006 levels are based upon exit polls for House of Representatives voting.

There is one significant limitation to the map. Each voter falls within multiple demographic groups (gender, race, religion), but we don't have enough data to link the results. This allows the user to create paradoxical results; like what would happen if 100% of blacks voted for Democrats, but 100% of men voted Republican (what does that mean for black men?).

This is not an ironclad data analysis application, but a tool meant to examine the effect these groups have on the electoral map.