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Alaska Statewide 'Opinion Counts' Survey Results

Survey conducted 11/02/08

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Hays Research has chosen a selection of questions from a scientific survey conducted in the State of Alaska on November 2nd, 2008 to release to the public.  Every month Hays Research Group conducts an omnibus telephone survey called 'Opinion Counts' which enables our customers to purchase individual questions in the survey at a minimal cost. Statewide surveys are conducted monthly as well as surveys within the Municipality of Anchorage in the months leading up to the Municipal election.

Survey Methodology

This survey was fielded on November 2nd, 2008 as part of the Hays Research Group Statewide Opinion Counts Survey.  400 completed respondents were interviewed The margin of error for the data collected is +/- 4.9 % for a 400 response survey for the data analyzed in its entirety with a 95% confidence level; meaning that we can be 95% sure that if every resident of the State with working telephone numbers who have at least one member who has voted in at least two of the last four local or state elections was actually surveyed, the results would vary by no more than 4.9% in either direction.  

The survey sample used was a computer generated random list derived from a database of all households within the State of Alaska with working telephone numbers who have at least one member who has voted in at least two of the last four local or state elections. The sample frame was designed to accurately reflect the actual population percentages.

Respondents were screened to confirm they were over 18 and each household was attempted at least four times over a period of several days to account for non-response bias. Data was analyzed utilizing SPSS Quancept Software.  Interviews were conducted by trained staff with on-site supervision utilizing state of the art computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI).  Random interviews were monitored to assure quality control measures were followed.  Dialing results were analyzed daily to assure statistically accurate distribution of call disposition in order to account for “non-response” variables.

Survey Results

To view the results of other past surveys click here

In this survey 400 respondents across the State of Alaska were asked who they would vote for in the Presidential, Congressional and Senate races.  We also asked how perceptions of Gov. Sarah Palin have changed since she was selected as the Vice Presidential candidate.

The following questions were paid for and released by Hays Research Group, and not done on behalf of any individual, candidate, or group.

Question 1

If the election for United States President and Vice President were held today and the candidates were: John McCain and Sarah Palin, or Barack Obama and Joe Biden, for whom would you vote?

(IF UNDECIDED:) Well, toward whom do you lean?

Question 2 

Thinking about Sarah Palin, would you say your opinion of her has changed since she was named the Vice Presidential candidate on August 29th?

(IF YES) Has the change been positive or negative?

Question 3

If the election for U.S. Senate were held today and the candidates were: Ted Stevens, or Mark Begich, for whom would you vote, or are you undecided?

(IF UNDECIDED:) Well, toward whom do you lean? 

Question 4

And if the election for U.S. Congress were held today and the candidates were: Don Young, or Ethan Berkowitz for whom would you vote, or are you undecided?

(IF UNDECIDED:) Well, toward whom do you lean? 

This survey was conducted among households with at least one member who has voted in at least 2 of the last 4 state or local elections within the State of Alaska.  The survey was fielded on November 2nd, 2008.  400 respondents were contacted by telephone for the survey.  The margin of error for this survey is +/- 4.9% with a 95% confidence interval. 

To view the results of other past surveys click here

If you would like to have a question included in the next 'Opinion Counts' survey, or to get more information on our Hays Research Group's public opinion research services, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Two different programs will be offered in 2008: an Anchorage Municipal program conducted in the months leading up to the Anchorage Municipal Election, and a Statewide program which will be conducted monthly year-round.  This is a unique opportunity to include your own questions in each of the polls for a minimal cost by utilizing Hays Research Group's new Opinion Counts program.  Space is limited, so reserve your questions soon!

We invite you to explore this website and learn more about Opinion Counts, or contact Hays Research group for more information.