US Election Polls 2012: Obama Leads Romney Among Registered Voters, Lags Behind Among Likely Voters

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign event at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles October 7, 2012. (Photo : Reuters)

The latest Gallup Daily report released on Tuesday revealed that President Obama continues to lead Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney among registered voters but that he lags behind among likely voters by 2-points.

The report, which is released daily but based on a seven-day rolling average, found that Obama's lead among registered voters is narrowing following the first presidential debate in Denver last week. The president's 3-point lead is severely narrow compared to the larger margins he enjoyed prior to his poor performance at the first debate.

Like Us on Facebook

Among likely voters, Gallup reported that Romney lead Obama 49 percent to 47 percent. Following Romney's successful run in Denver, voter's candidate preferences have tilted towards the GOP candidate, leveling the playing field.

In a poll released by Gallup on Monday, Romney and Obama were tied at 47 percent for registered voter's preferences for president. The poll, which was released after the presidential debate in Denver last week, reported that Obama held a 5-point lead among registered voters prior to the debate.

Gallup's Daily tracking also found that Obama's approval rating rose two points to 53 percent. The president's disapproval rate consequently fell two points to 42 percent. A Reuters poll released last week found that despite his poor performance in Denver, President Obama did not suffer any damages to his favorability numbers.

Romney, who severely lagged behind President Obama prior to the presidential debates, could use them to push ahead in the polls. His success during the first debate has made the presidential election much more competitive but Gallup reported on Monday that debate do not always define the races.

Two more presidential debates remain until the November 6 election date. They will be held on October 16 at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. and on October 22 at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. Another debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan is scheduled for October 11 at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky.