Character trumps party when evangelical leaders are asked how they choose the presidential candidate who will get their vote, according to a poll of the 100-member board of the National Association of Evangelicals.

“What was most interesting about the survey results was virtual silence about political party,” said NAE President Leith Anderson. “It says to me that evangelicals aren’t as partisan as many think.”

Anderson said the responses from leaders of megachurches, ministries and denominations indicate that they want a presidential candidate who demonstrates trustworthiness and integrity, but many remain undecided.

“Evangelicals are serious about how to vote and are still deciding which candidates they prefer,” he said. “I couldn’t guess which way many will vote.”

The survey showed that respondents were interested in how a candidate’s platform aligns with their personal convictions. Those that named specific policy concerns were most likely to mention judicial appointments, compassion for the poor, opposition to abortion and marriage between one man and one woman.