Background Memo  

All interviews were conducted by telephone by professionally trained interviewers using a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing system). Respondents in statewide surveys were identified by random digit dialing (RDD). Respondents in Clean Elections legislative districts were identified through registered voter lists (RVL). Sampling error at the 95% level of confidence (MoE) as well as the interview dates and sample sizes for the various populations are as follows:

Interview Dates:

Population

Sample size

MoE

Oct. 22-28, 2007

likely voters – statewide

519

+/- 4

Oct. 29-Nov. 5, 2007

RVL,  likely voters – Clean Elections districts

441

+/- 5

Oct. 29-Nov. 5, 2007

RVL, registered voters – Clean Elections districts

759

+/- 4

Sep. 17-23, 2007

RDD, likely voters, statewide

701

+/- 4

Oct. 20-26, 2005

RDD, likely voters, statewide

355

+/- 5

Oct. 24-31, 2005

RVL, likely voters – Clean Elections districts

347

+/- 5

Oct. 24-31, 2005

RVL, registered voters, Clean Elections districts

500

+/- 4

Sep. 21-26, 2005

RDD, likely voters, statewide,

596

+/- 4

Survey results are also subject to non-sampling error. This kind of error, which cannot be measured, arises from many factors including, but not limited to, non-response (eligible individuals refusing to be interviewed), question wording, the order in which questions are asked, and variations in the technique and demeanor of interviewers.

How much of the time do you think you can trust the state legislature in Trenton to do what is right?

How concerned are you that people who give money to campaigns might influence the state legislature after the election? Are you...

As you may or may not know, the state is applying new, experimental campaign finance rules to elections in two Assembly districts. How much have you heard or read about this Clean Elections legislation?

How confident are you that public financing of campaigns will reduce the influence of large donors in the political process? Are you…

And what about the [race for state legislature]? How much have you heard or read so far about the [races for state legislature] in the district where you live?*

In the past month, have you received information about [the state legislative races in your district] in any of the following ways:*

In general, would you say that the campaign for [State Legislature] where you live has focused more on the candidates’ issue positions or the personal characteristics of the candidates?*

see also:
Survey Analysis
Tabular Results

Copyright © 2007, Fairleigh Dickinson University. All rights reserved. FDU PublicMind Poll [Latest update 071127]