New York Times/Siena Keeps Phone Polling, Citing 15% Cooperation Rate
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 31
New York Times/Siena Keeps Phone Polling, Citing 15% Cooperation Rate
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 31
Summary
The New York Times/Siena Poll said it will keep telephone surveys as its primary method for the 2026 general election after testing texts, mail and online panels.
Around 15% of people who answer an unknown call agree to take the poll, giving phone surveys a stronger cooperation rate than text invitations and helping reach a broader cross-section of voters.
The outlet said phone polling is expensive but still faster and cheaper than high-incentive mail surveys, while text and online respondents skew toward highly engaged political participants.
The methodology review comes as Labor Day nears and the general election campaign begins, with the pollster also noting its last Republican overestimate came in the 2018 midterms.