Grinnell College National Poll

Grinnell College has a long history of exploring issues of purpose. This legacy, coupled with our focus on engaging students and celebrating diverse perspectives, has been the foundation of the Grinnell College National Poll.

First launched as a pilot project in August of 2018, the poll partners Grinnell College faculty and students with nationally-renowned pollster J. Ann Selzer to probe the political attitudes of the American public, providing thoughtful and timely information on current events, national trends and important policy questions.

Today, under the leadership of President Anne F. Harris, the poll supports a four-year investigation into the health of American democracy by examining public attitudes on liberty, equality, and institutions of democratic governance. It is a trusted source of information for journalists and the public, a platform for innovative teaching in the classroom, and a vital way for Grinnell College to join the national conversation about our nation’s future.

As a school powered by constant innovation and creativity, this poll is a noteworthy addition to the rich and vibrant learning environment at Grinnell College.

Blog powered by the Grinnell College Data Inquiry and Social Inquiry Lab (DASIL)

Health of American Democracy, Economy, Abortion Leading Factors Heading into 2022 Election

A new Grinnell College National Poll shows that four in five likely voters in the 2022 general election believe the overall health of American democracy is a major factor in determining how they will vote in the upcoming election.

Majority of Americans Believe Abortion and Same-Sex Marriage Should be Guaranteed Rights

In the wake of the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, 69% of Americans believe the option of having an abortion before the 15th week of pregnancy should be a guaranteed right, according to the newest edition of the Grinnell College National Poll.

Biden Approval Drops as Majority of Americans Believe Economy Will Worsen in Coming Months

Grinnell College National Poll shows broad support for supplying weapons to Ukrainian fighters, welcoming war refugees; most Americans against sending troops.

A Majority of Americans Thinks Public Schools are on the Wrong Track, Fueled by How Racism is Addressed in the Classroom

Strong opposition expressed in Grinnell Poll toward affirmative action in higher ed admission policies and the use of tax dollars for private schools.

62% of Americans Say Politics, Not Law, Drives Supreme Court Decisions

More than 60% of Americans today believe the decisions of the court are based more on the political leanings of justices than the Constitution and the law, according to the newest edition of the Grinnell College National Poll.

52% of Americans Believe Democracy Facing “Major Threat”

While 85% of Americans believe it is very important the United States remain a democracy, 52% believe American democracy is facing a “major threat” according to the newest edition of the Grinnell College National Poll.

Pessimistic View of Race Relations Exists Among Majority of Americans

As an element of American life, a majority of people in the country view the state of race relations as mostly bad according to the newest edition of the Grinnell College National Poll. Most Americans favor student loan forgiveness; no return to “normal” anytime soon.

Most Americans Agree on Four Foundations of Democracy, but Execution of Those Ideals Receives Failing Grades

While Americans have high ideals for what makes up our democracy, a new Grinnell College National Poll shows our country gets failing grades when it comes to executing those ideals in real life.

Peter Hanson, Poll Director and Assoc. Prof. Political Science

What were some of the major findings in this poll? What does the poll say about Americans' optimism on the pandemic? What does the poll say about race relations in America?

J. Ann Selzer, President of Selzer & Co.

What does this poll say about how President Biden is performing? How do people feel about the issues in our country today? What does this poll indicate about people's confidence in past and future elections?

Cori Jakubiak, Associate Professor of Education

How do Americans feel about the student loan debt crisis? How does student loan debt impact everyone? Do people support some form of student debt forgiveness?

Danielle Lussier, Associate Professor of Political Science

How would Americans grade our democracy based on this poll? Does the poll tell us how Americans think democracy is falling short? What was the biggest surprise you saw in this poll?

Joe Biden Leads Donald Trump in Latest Grinnell College National Poll

72% of likely voters “extremely motivated” to vote; voter fraud concerns rise among Republicans.

Majority of Americans View In-Person Return to School Unsafe at Any Level

52% of Americans say President Trump is not doing enough to contain the virus.

Naming George Floyd Alters Viewpoints on Racial Inequality

Framing the issue of racial inequality around the victims of racial violence has an impact on how Americans view the issue.

Peter Hanson, Poll Director and Assoc. Prof. Political Science

What does the poll show about the presidential race? What are the perceptions of voter fraud? How does Donald Trump get re-elected in November?

J. Ann Selzer, President of Selzer & Co.

What groups appear to be helping Joe Biden in this poll? What do you worry about if you are Joe Biden? What does this poll indicate about people's confidence in the upcoming election? What stood out to you about the question regarding school safety?

Cori Jakubiak, Associate Professor of Education

What did the poll reveal about how politics play into school safety? How might the divide on school safety affect the future of public school? How is online education at home affecting women and their role in education?

Still from YouTube video of Caleb Elfenbein

Caleb Elfenbein, Assoc. Prof. of History & Religious Studies

What did the poll show us about how people feel about racial inequality in America? Was there a difference in responses between white and non-white respondents? How does COVID-19 affect racial inequality?

Tammy McGavock, Asst. Prof. of Economics

How do people's view of the economy differ among demographic groups? Does this poll suggest people can still achieve the American Dream? How has COVID-19 impacted people of color?

Ethan Pannell ’21

Pannell is a student who helped craft questions for the poll. Hear how he contributed to the poll and whether any of the results surprised him.

Donald Trump Trails Joe Biden in New Grinnell College National Poll

President Donald J. Trump has his highest approval rating in Grinnell College National Poll history, but still trails former Vice President Joe Biden in a head-to-head matchup.

Americans Showing Resolve Through COVID-19 Crisis

An overwhelming majority of Americans (88%) are confident the country will get through the COVID-19 crisis and be OK when it’s over, according to the newest edition of the Grinnell College National Poll.

Economic Impacts

Eric Ohrn, assistant professor of Economics, explains why the economic effects of COVID-19 will affect people under age 35 disproportionately.

Americans' Resolve

Caleb Elfenbein, associate professor of history and religious studies, discusses what people are willing to do to address COVID-19.

Grinnell College National Poll

We ask tough questions. We strive to think bigger.

September 2022 Results

March 2022 Results

October 2021 Results

March 2021 Results

Analysis

Peter Hanson, Poll Director and Assoc. Prof. Political Science

J. Ann Selzer, President of Selzer & Co.

Cori Jakubiak, Associate Professor of Education

Danielle Lussier, Associate Professor of Political Science

September 2020 Results

Poll Analysis

Peter Hanson, Poll Director and Assoc. Prof. Political Science

J. Ann Selzer, President of Selzer & Co.

Cori Jakubiak, Associate Professor of Education

Caleb Elfenbein, Assoc. Prof. of History & Religious Studies

Tammy McGavock, Asst. Prof. of Economics

Ethan Pannell ’21

April 2020 Results

Poll Analysis

Economic Impacts

Americans' Resolve

October 2019 Results

November 2018 Results

September 2018 Results