Survey research has become an integral part of the body politic. Surveys pervade every part of political life, from local campaigns to international policy issues. Southern Opinion Research began as a political polling organization, and that area still constitutes a major portion of our efforts.

In fact, Southern Opinion Research gained its reputation for accurate, reliable research by conducting the most difficult of all surveys – those that were published and broadcast by the news media. Pre-election surveys can be checked. That is, they are meant to predict election results, and their “accuracy” is determined by how close they come to these results.

In this regard, Southern Opinion Research’s record is remarkable. Our pre-election surveys have consistently mirrored results of elections in contest after contest. (We have compiled a list of those results in case you’re interested.)

In recent years our focus has shifted away from working almost exclusively for news media organizations to working more with candidates and campaigns – particularly local candidates. For those who are just beginning to campaign (and raise money), we offer highly cost-efficient surveys. These can show standings of potential candidates, name recognition, salient issues and directions that aspiring candidates for state offices, mayor, city council, county commission, sheriff or other county-wide offices should take in their campaigns.

We have the experience and expertise to help candidates and campaign officials assess the results and make good decisions on where to spend their resources and what issues are likely to be effective with the electorate.

We have also conducted many surveys to measure citizens’ opinions about different policy issues.  Included in these studies are examinations of attitudes about constitutional reform, government structures such as elected school boards, and support or opposition toward revenue sources such as a lottery and alcohol sales.

Clients:

• Birmingham News

• Huntsville Times

• Tuscaloosa News

• Montgomery Advertiser

• Mobile Register

• Business Council of Alabama

• State Senator Hinton Mitchem

• U.S. Senator Howell Heflin

• Numerous candidates for mayor, county sheriff, and state senate and representative