Behind the Numbers: How the NDNC Poll Comes Together
Go behind the scenes of North Dakota's public opinion poll. Sabrina Halvorson and Mary Jo Hotzler discuss how the NDNC ensures accuracy, fairness, and a true snapshot of what North Dakotans think.
Go behind the scenes of North Dakota's public opinion poll. Sabrina Halvorson and Mary Jo Hotzler discuss how the NDNC ensures accuracy, fairness, and a true snapshot of what North Dakotans think.
Listen here:
In this episode, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with Mary Jo Hotzler, board member of the North Dakota News Cooperative, about the meticulous process behind their latest statewide public opinion poll.
"Our purpose is to be connecting the leaders of this state with the people in the state. Accountability is a big factor in polling, and it’s important that we get it right." - Mary Jo Hotzler, NDNC Board Vice Chair
From selecting a polling company to crafting nonpartisan questions, Mary Jo explains the meticulous process behind ensuring accuracy, credibility, and a truly representative sample. Discover why live phone interviews still matter, how sample size impacts accuracy, and what it takes to reflect the true voice of North Dakotans.
This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of reliable state polling data.
Topics Covered:
- Why NDNC chose Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy
- How live phone interviews capture a representative demographic mix
- Balancing sample size with accuracy (625 respondents = ±4% margin of error)
- Maintaining strict nonpartisanship in question design
- The importance of wording, clarity, and avoiding leading questions
- The role of polling in connecting state leaders with the public
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