  We introduce a general contagion-like model for competing opinions that
includes dynamic resistance to alternative opinions. We show that this model
can describe candidate vote distributions, spatial vote correlations, and a
slow approach to opinion consensus with sensible parameter values. These
empirical properties of large group dynamics, previously understood using
distinct models, may be different aspects of human behavior that can be
captured by a more unified model, such as the one introduced in this paper.
