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Ann Selzer ends the election polls and moves on to other options

Vaseline2 weeks ago

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Ann Selzer ends the election polls and moves on to other options

J. Ann Selzer
| Guest column

Public opinion polls have been my life’s work. I collected my first survey data as a freshman in college, if you don’t count the neighborhood survey I did at age five. I have always been fascinated by what someone could learn from a scientific example of a meaningful universe.

In addition to election polls, my favorite projects helped clients learn something they didn’t know before, to help them evaluate options for their companies, institutions or charities. That work may well continue, but a few years ago I knew the pageant part of my career was coming to an end.

Over a year ago, I advised the Register that I would not renew if my 2024 contract expired at the last election poll, while I move on to other ventures and opportunities.

Would I have wanted to make this announcement after a final poll in line with Election Day results? Naturally. It’s ironic that it’s quite the opposite. I am proud of the work I have done for the Register, for the Detroit Free Press, for the Indianapolis Star, for Bloomberg News and for other public and private organizations interested in elections. They were great customers and they were happy with my work.

There were shocking polls for both, that’s for sure. In the end, my findings looked good. More than 30 years of polling have resulted in an A+ rating in Nate Silver’s analysis of pollster accuracy data. I earned that initial Silver list rating, and my grade has never dropped. Perhaps that history of accuracy made the outlier position too comfortable.

Polls are a science of estimation, and science has a way of humiliating the scientist periodically. So I am humble, yet always willing to learn from unexpected findings.

My work continues for current clients and for future clients. I also think about how I can use other talents for the benefit of new clients.

My integrity means a lot to me. For those who have questioned this, there are probably no words that can discourage it. For those who know me best, I appreciate the supportive comments and phone calls that reminded me that what drew me to them as friends, colleagues and clients was a commitment to truth and accuracy – both in my professional and personal relationships.

That is part of my DNA, and I intend to protect and preserve that heart of mine.

J. Ann Selzer leads Selzer & Co. of West Des Moines. She first worked at the Iowa Poll in 1987 as a staffer at the Des Moines Register, then started her own company and has managed the Iowa Poll on a contract basis since 1997.

This story has been updated to add video.

Vaseline2 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read