Exit polling trailblazers to discuss evolution of election night analysis

On election night, millions of people in the United States gather around the television for the latest analysis, projections and results - but how is that information prepared? On Oct. 29, the Cornell community can hear directly from two award-winning pollsters who pioneered election night polling methods that remain in use today.

The Roper Center for Public Opinion Researchwill host an in-person watch party for the Roper Roundtable: Evolution of Election Night Analysis and Projectionson October 29th, at 1:00 p.m. in 291 Clark Hall, featuring Murray Edelman and Joe Lenski, recent recipients of the 2025 Warren J. Mitofsky Award for Excellence in Public Opinion Research.

Attendees may enjoy refreshments and networking while hearing introductory remarks from Roper Center Executive Director Jonathon Schuldt, professor of communication and professor of public policy, before the live viewing of the virtual discussion that begins at 1:30 p.m. Registration is requestedfor in-person (or Zoom) attendance.

Edelman and Lenski, who were longtime colleagues of polling pioneer Warren Mitofsky, will highlight how under their supervision, the major media collaborative exit poll series - now conducted by Edison Research for the National Election Pool- became the predominant election survey in the United States. They will also reflect on three decades of experience dealing with methodological challenges and making pivotal decisions that helped to set the standard used by news organizations in making their projections.

"The Roper Center is delighted to be hosting this event, which brings leading thinkers in election analysis into conversation with the Cornell community," said Jonathon P. Schuldt, Executive Director, Roper Center for Public Opinion Research and professor of communication and public policy. "Murray and Joe have made enormous contributions to the field. The methods they pioneered continue to shape election night coverage, and our broader understanding of the electorate, to this day."

Edelman and Lenski will also be celebrated at the 2025 Mitofsky Award ceremonyin New York City on November 13, hosted at the Associated Press headquarters. The reception will honor the awardees' careers and contributions, and will feature live music and refreshments. Proceeds from the annual event support the Roper Center's mission, to collect, preserve, and disseminate public opinion data; to serve as a resource to help improve the practice of survey research; and to broaden the understanding of public opinion through the use of survey data in the United States and around the world.

The Roper Roundtable series convenes thought leaders and data users each semester to explore how public opinion research can illuminate pressing societal issues. Cornell researchers interested in presenting at a future roundtable are invited to contact Brett Powell, Associate Director at [email protected].

Megan Pillar is the communications specialist for societal systems within Cornell Research & Innovation