Highlights
Since 2021, SSRS has partnered with the Marquette University Law School (MULaw) to collect 800 or more interviews among registered voters in Wisconsin several times each year to gauge awareness and reaction to public figures, the Wisconsin government, local education, upcoming elections, and other local, state-level, and national issues.
Challenge
To provide high quality data to understand public sentiment in Wisconsin, including reaction to significant elections to be held in the state and nationally, how people feel about a wide range of issues, and what factors are shaping their opinions. Because polling is conducted regularly, the Marquette Law School Poll also shows trends in public opinion and the impact of current events on politics and life in Wisconsin.
Approach
Currently, SSRS implements a hybrid sample methodology that includes a blend of the probability-based SSRS Opinion Panel and registration-based sample (RBS) that contains a telephone number and/or an email address. The RBS sample design takes into account multiple strata, ensuring coverage across different parts of Wisconsin, as well as mode of contact, and political party. SSRS contacts respondents via email, SMS, and outbound telephone. Once contacted, respondents complete the survey online or via phone. The survey screener confirms that the respondent is registered to vote or plans to register. The inclusion of the probability panel ensures that a segment of the sample helps to cover the respondents who plan to register, since Wisconsin has open voter/same day registration. (i.e., If a voter is not registered to vote, they can register to vote on the day of the election.)
Results
The multi-modal and blended sample methodology provides several ways to reach the target population over the usual 8 day field period. Moreover, the efficiency of RBS sample and the probability panel offer broad coverage across all geographical areas and demographics in Wisconsin to more accurately reflect the opinions and pulse of the state. The MU Law Poll continues to be a trusted source of public opinion both for Wisconsin and also for National samples.
