Ipsos & College of Mount Saint Vincent Public Policy Study

8 February 2016

Washington, DC -- Ipsos Public Affairs conducted an online study of 1,251 US adults on a range of public policy and political issues for the Fishlinger Center at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. The study examined the current state of the US presidential election in addition to the public's attitude on various public policy issues related to US elections. The Fishlinger Center has issued a press release looking at voting intent at the outset of the primary season. The question wording and results for these questions is posted here for review.

The results show a pair of front runners as the primary season kicks off - Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. As actual voting begins on February 1st, it is yet to be seen if these two can hold onto this status and will face each other in November, or if other challengers can make their way to the top of the ticket. As the results suggest, voters are hardly set on candidates at the outset of the primaries - 60% of respondents say they don't settle on a candidate until after the primaries have begun, so the candidates still have a long way to go before one is elected President of the United States.

The results further show interesting partisan divisions on the candidates' likeability, honesty, and qualifications for the nation's highest office. As the candidate pools begin to dwindle, it will be interesting to see how voters sort through their varying feelings towards the candidates as they make a final selection and cast their ballot.

Topline results are available for download on the right side of the page.

Online interviews with 1,251 adults were collected January 14-22, 2016. Sampling for the survey used a blended approach, combining the Ipsos iSay panel with Ampario sample (a blend of external panel and non-panel sources). Ipsos measures the precision of its online surveys using a credibility interval to measure sampling error. The survey of 1,251 respondents has a credibility interval of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points; plus or minus 3.o for the 1,096 respondents who said they plan to vote in November. The credibility interval may be larger for other subgroups. The poll is subject to other potential sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage and measurement error. Data were weighted to match the national population on age, sex, Hispanic origin and race.

For more information on this news release please contact:

Timothy Amsbary Vice President Ipsos Public Affairs 202.420.2036 [email protected]

About Ipsos Public Affairs

Ipsos Public Affairs is a non-partisan, objective, survey-based research practice made up of seasoned professionals. We conduct strategic research initiatives for a diverse number of American and international organizations, based not only on public opinion research, but elite stakeholder, corporate, and media opinion research.

Ipsos has media partnerships with the most prestigious news organizations around the world. In Canada, the U.S., UK, and internationally, Ipsos Public Affairs is the media polling supplier to Reuters News, the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. Ipsos Public Affairs is a member of the Ipsos Group, a leading global survey-based market research company. We provide boutique-style customer service and work closely with our clients, while also undertaking global research.

To learn more visit: www.ipsos-na.com

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.

With offices in 87 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across five research specializations: brand, advertising and media, customer loyalty, marketing, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of e1,669.5 ($2,218.4 million) in 2014.