After the discrepancies in exit poll results in the 2000 and 2004 Presidential elections, controversies surrounded exit polling methodology - specifically that of poor sampling techniques, inaccurate results and skewed reporting of underrepresented subgroups, such as African American and Latino voters.
To address these methodological issues, in 2005 a team of LMU researchers implemented the use of an innovative sampling technique known as the “racially stratified homogenous precinct approach” to accurately sample voters in the city of Los Angeles. As explained in their article, Controversies in Exit Polling: Implementing a Racially Stratified Homogenous Precinct Approach, this methodology theorizes that polling data is more accurate when it targets subgroup enclaves, as opposed to singling out individuals from these subgroups who live in more integrated communities. When compared to other exit polling methods, this methodology has been deemed to produce accurate results that are indicative of the desired sampling population, regardless of diverse populations.
2012 Presidential Election Exit Poll
To be conducted in November 2012. Stay tuned for more details.
2010 Gubernatorial Election Exit Poll
The Gubernatorial Election Exit Poll was conducted on November 2, 2010. Over 120 students collected 2,536 anonymous surveys in Spanish and English from 50 racially homogenous selected precincts. Results summary
2008 Presidential Primary and General Election Exit Polls
Using the 2005 methodological approach, Center researchers implemented the “racially stratified homogenous precinct methodology” in its Exit Polls of the 2008 Presidential Primary and National Elections in the City of Los Angeles. In addition to surveying voters about presidential candidates and propositions, questions were designed to better understand the relationships between politics, race, and the community. The two projects were supported by a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation.
The Presidential Primary Election Exit Poll was conducted on February 5, 2008. Nearly 200 LMU students distributed anonymous exit poll surveys in English, Spanish, Chinese/Mandarin, and Korean in 50 randomly and ethnically represented precincts. They collected 2,702 surveys with a +/-1.88% margin of error. Results summary
The Presidential General Election Exit Poll took place on November 4, 2008. The students collected 2,725 anonymous surveys in Spanish and English, again from 50 randomly and ethnically represented precincts. The margin of error was +/-1.88%. Results summary
2005 Los Angeles Exit Poll Pilot Project
The 2005 Mayoral Exit Poll was conducted on May 17, 2005. Students distributed exit poll surveys in English and Spanish, and helped to collect a total of 1,743 surveys in 50 randomly selected precincts that met all criteria for the methodological approach. Results summary