Frequently Asked Questions

Why was I contacted by the State Opinion Survey, and how is that related to The Voter Poll by SSRS™?

The State Opinion Survey is one part of The Voter Poll. The results of the survey are combined with traditional in-person exit polls conducted at local voting places across the country on Election Day. All results will be released in aggregate as The Voter Poll. Researchers may use different names when they collect and publish survey results. We use the name State Opinion Survey because we do not want people who are not planning to vote to think they should not take part. We want everyone who is invited to participate.

What is The Voter Poll by SSRS?

The Voter Poll by SSRS™ is an election research program that shares the voices of American voters as they cast their votes. It gives people a chance to share their views on topics that affect them and their communities. It is the exit poll of record for 2026 for the major American news organizations, including ABC, The Associated Press (AP), CBS, CNN, Fox, MS NOW, and NBC. The Voter Poll gathers responses through mailed survey invitations, email, phone, text, and in-person interviews at voting places in select areas on Election Day. This survey is for research purposes only. We are not selling anything and will never ask for money.

Will I be contacted again?

Some respondents who agreed to be recontacted will also be asked a few additional questions in the coming days to make sure we have the latest information.

How can I get more information?

If you have questions, you may contact the Research Team at SSRS: info@stateopinionsurvey.com.

Will you try to sell me something or ask for money?

No. This survey is for research purposes only. We will never try to sell you anything or ask you to give money.

How did you get my information?

You were chosen at random from a public list of registered voters in your state. Choosing people at random helps prevent the survey from favoring one group over another. It also helps researchers use the answers to understand the larger population with a known level of accuracy. This method helps us hear from people with many different backgrounds and views. Because people are chosen this way, anyone who was not invited cannot take part in the survey.

Is this survey legitimate?

Yes. The Voter Poll/State Opinion Survey is a legitimate public opinion research study conducted by SSRS on behalf of several major American news organizations: ABC, The Associated Press (AP), CBS, CNN, Fox, MS NOW, and NBC. This survey is not done on behalf of any candidate or political party.

What are the research goals?

We want to understand what people across your state think about important issues and events. Your answers help make sure the survey includes the views and experiences of people like you.

Who is conducting the survey?

The survey is being conducted by SSRS, (www.ssrs.com), a major national social science research firm that has been designing and executing rigorous research for decades. The survey uses proven scientific methods and is carried out in a nonpartisan way. This helps make sure the results are accurate and fair, and can be trusted by our clients and the public. SSRS is a charter member of the AAPOR Transparency Initiative, which seeks to encourage more effective disclosure of research methods and standards.

Who is sponsoring the survey?

This research is sponsored by ABC, The Associated Press (AP), CBS, CNN, Fox, MS NOW, and NBC. These American news organizations conduct public opinion research to better understand what residents think about issues and events in their state.

The research is nonpartisan and is not being done for any political party, candidate, or advocacy group.

Why are these organizations working together?

By sharing the cost of high-quality public opinion research, the news organizations can provide their audiences and the broader public with accurate, timely, and trustworthy information.

Each news organization will report on the survey findings independently.

How will my answers be used?

Your answers will help researchers understand voters’ actions and views about this year’s general election. The organizations that paid for the survey may share the results in news stories. These stories will not name anyone who took the survey. Results will be discussed only for groups of people, not for individuals.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes. We value your privacy. Your answers will be used only for research and will be combined with the answers of other people, and weighted using validated methods to be representative of the population. Survey results will not identify you. Publicly released data can not be traced back to your voter record.

SSRS holds an ISO 27001 certification for our information security management system. To earn this certification, SSRS has developed a framework of policies and procedures that includes all legal, physical and technical controls involved in our organization’s information risk management processes. This certification is another step SSRS is taking to provide security and peace of mind to our clients, partners, and employees alike.