Saint Anselm College Survey Center

The Saint Anselm College Survey Center (SACSC) was founded in the wake of the 2016 election, and launched its first poll in February 2018 as the midterm elections were getting underway.  Housed within the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, the Center conducts quarterly polls of New Hampshire voter attitudes.  This research supports the academic mission of the College, and provides the public at large with insight into political opinion trends that impact the state’s federal and gubernatorial elections.

The Center conducts these quarterly polls via live telephone interviews targeted at known registered voters.  Sampling and weighting is performed according to a proprietary voter demographic model derived from historical voting patterns as well as response trends.  All interviews are conducted by trained and certified students; the Center currently employs over 100 active pollsters.  In accordance with the academic calendar, polls are conducted in mid-September (soon after the state primary in election years); late October (election years) or mid-November (off years); late January (Presidential primary years) or mid-February (off years); and mid-April.

Standard poll questions for registered voter polls include: right track/wrong track; job performance of elected officials; and image of elected officials.  Likely voter polls also include image of challengers and ballot tests.  Each poll also includes topical questions, including questions requested by faculty and students.  Tabulated results, including weighted marginals, tables, and analysis, are publicly posted.

Beyond the research element of the Center, the polls provide participating students with a hands-on understanding of one of the most important tools used in contemporary politics.  In addition, interviewing respondents gives pollsters valuable experience in interacting with unfamiliar individuals.  The Center thus provides students with opportunities that also enhance their academic experience and preparedness for their post-graduation pursuits.
 

Poll Data

For each poll, the NHIOP will release its questionnaire, responses, and methodology statement.