Exit poll for elections and events

Exit poll for elections and events

An exit poll is a survey of people right after voting, at the exit from polling stations. The method gives a prompt forecast of results before the official count and shows how different voter groups voted. It is a classic tool of election transparency and analysis.

Top Team organises exit polls turnkey: we build the sample of polling stations, prepare the questionnaire and a field network of interviewers, collect data by quotas on election day and process the results promptly. You get a forecast and the voting structure by group.

Beyond elections, the exit-poll mechanic can be applied to surveys of event attendees, referendums or mass events — where it matters to quickly assess people’s opinion right after an action.

What we do

An exit poll is used for different tasks:

• forecasting election results on voting day
• analysing voting by demographic group
• monitoring turnout during the day
• surveying referendum participants
• surveying mass-event attendees
• assessing sentiment right after voting
• independent control of election transparency

What the service includes

The service covers polling-station sample design, questionnaire development, recruiting and briefing interviewers, fieldwork on election day with quota control, prompt data processing and a report with a forecast and group breakdown. We ensure field control throughout the day.

How we work: stages

Work runs in stages: planning the station sample, preparing the questionnaire and field network, briefing, fieldwork on the day with quota and turnout control, prompt processing, publishing/handing over results. Data is collected and processed in tight timeframes.

Methodology and approach

We build a representative sample of stations and quotas by group, recruit and brief the field network and control collection throughout the day. Prompt processing lets us give a forecast right after the stations close.

Who needs it

An exit poll is for when a prompt assessment of voting matters:

• for forecasting election results
• for analysing voting by different groups
• for monitoring turnout during the day
• for independent transparency control
• for referendums and local votes
• for surveys at mass events
• when you need a result before the count

Data quality and result

We are accountable for a representative sample of stations, quota compliance and field control throughout the voting day. We honestly state the forecast’s margin of error and the method’s limits. The result is a prompt, well-founded assessment, not hasty conclusions.

From data to decisions

We turn the data into conclusions and apply them in marketing strategy, positioning and advertising. You get not just figures but actionable recommendations.

Why businesses choose Top Team

We combine sociological methodology with marketing expertise: we build the sample correctly, control fieldwork and present results in business language. You get reliable data and clear conclusions ready to use in decisions.

Other research methods

Within marketing research we also offer:

• Social Surveys
• Sociological research
• Telephone surveys (CATI)
• Rolling research
• Panel research
• Hybrid survey
• Face-to-face surveys (PAPI)
• Focus Groups
• In-depth Interviews
• Expert Interviews

Part of the Top Team Marketing Research service

This service is part of marketing research from Top Team: quantitative and qualitative methods — data for confident business decisions.

Order research at Top Team

If you need an exit poll or a prompt survey at an event, leave a request via contact Top Team — we will discuss the task and sample and calculate cost and timelines.