Monmouth University Polling Institute Again Earns A-Plus Rating from Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight

Poll One of Six to Receive Highest Rating, Called ‘Winner’ for 2020 Primaries

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (May 26, 2020) – The Monmouth University Polling Institute again has maintained its A-plus rating from Nate Silver’s respected FiveThirtyEight, earning the highest rating from the news site for the fourth straight time.

The Monmouth University Poll was one of just six to receive a grade of A-plus out of 453 polling operations reviewed by FiveThirtyEight, which calculates ratings by analyzing the historical accuracy and methodology of each organization’s polls. The poll also posted an A-plus rating in 2016, 2018 and 2019 (ratings were not updated in 2017). The current ratings were updated to include the 2020 primaries and 2019 gubernatorial elections.

“But if there was a ‘winner’ for the 2020 primaries, it was Monmouth University, whose average error of 7.5 points was the lowest among firms that released five or more primary polls,” wrote FiveThirtyEight’s Nathaniel Rakich in an article about the rankings. “Probably not by coincidence, Monmouth also has the highest FiveThirtyEight rating overall – a sterling A+.”

Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute, said, “Our job has never been to ‘predict’ electoral outcomes, but to further our understanding of the dynamics driving each election as it progresses. It is rewarding for our team to be recognized for doing this as accurately as possible.”

“This recognition is a great honor and a testament to the commitment of the Monmouth University Polling Institute team to conduct academically rigorous public opinion research,” said Monmouth University President Patrick F. Leahy. “We are extremely proud to remain among the most accurate polling operations nationwide.”

The Monmouth University Polling Institute was established to be a leading center for the study of public opinion on important state and national issues. Murray was named the founding director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute in 2005.

Additional Link: FiveThirtyEight’s Pollster Ratings

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About Monmouth University

Monmouth University is the region’s premier private coastal university offering a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in a dynamic and personalized learning environment. Located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth University’s magnificent coastal campus is approximately one hour from both New York City and Philadelphia. Innovative academic programs, individual faculty attention, and nationally ranked Division I athletics make this private university a great place to find your future. To learn more, visit us at monmouth.edu.