While Oklahoma's sometimes called the "Buckle of the Bible Belt," Gallup pollster Doctor Frank Newport said Mississippi is actually the most religious state.

"Vermont is the least religious state. Oregon, Washington and Alaska are very non-religious. The most religious states are down in the South. Mississippi is the most religious state in the country. Oklahoma's up there," Newport told KTOK.

Newport said Oklahoma ranks as the tenth most religious state, with 48 percent of Oklahomans surveyed describing themselves as "very religious."

Newport said the votes cast by religious Americans might well become the next major partisan battleground in national politics. He said it's possible religion will play a more significant role in the overall American society, during the coming years.

Newport also said polls show baby-boomers are likely to become more religious, as they age.