Political Data & Technology

Political Pollsters Reflect On What Went Wrong In 2016

6:38pm January 05, 2017

by Robert Siegel

2016 was a year of failure for political polling in several Western democracies. France, Britain and the U.S. were all taken by surprise after polls underestimated the support for conservative presidential candidates and Brexit. Now, pollsters in all three countries are reflecting on what went wrong.

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Amid Ethics Office Debacle, Googling Congress Members Spiked. Sort Of

3:14pm January 04, 2017

by Danielle Kurtzleben

It's true that more people looked up their lawmakers than usual. But that was still only a handful of people.

President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for the media before a bilateral meeting at United Nations headquarters on Sept. 28, 2015.

Thanks To Russia, 2016 Isn't Really Going To End For Obama And Trump

11:30am December 31, 2016

by Ron Elving

By refusing to respond to the sanctions, Russian President Putin spurned Obama and kept up what has looked like a public bromance with the president-elect, who in turn called him "very smart!"

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Ivanka Trump, daughter and part of the executive committee of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's transition team, arrives at New York City's Trump Tower for meetings last month.

Trump Family Tried To Auction Coffee With Ivanka, Raising Ethical Concerns

2:17pm December 16, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

One bidder told The New York Times he was hoping to gain insight into the president-elect's plans. On Friday, the website Charitybuzz removed the page for the auction without explanation.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speak during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis on Oct. 9.

Contrary To Trump's Tweet, Russian Hacking Came Up Before Election (A Lot)

3:13pm December 12, 2016

by Danielle Kurtzleben

Donald Trump asked Monday morning why Russian hacking wasn't "brought up before the election." It was. Many times. But intelligence agencies hadn't said the hackers aimed to help Trump — until now.

President Obama meets with members of his national security team and cybersecurity advisers in February. Homeland security adviser Lisa Monaco and Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan are at right.

Obama Orders Sweeping Review Of International Hacking Tied To U.S. Elections

3:37pm December 09, 2016

by Tamara Keith

The review will go all the way back to the 2008 campaign and will look at "all foreign actors and any attempt to interfere with our elections," said White House spokesman Eric Schultz.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump looks at his wife, Melania, as they cast their votes at P.S. 59 in New York on Election Day.

Here Are The Problems With The Trump Team's Voter Fraud Evidence

6:48pm November 28, 2016

by Danielle Kurtzleben

The Trump transition team pointed to one heavily criticized study, as well as an analysis that didn't count fraud, as evidence that "millions of people" voted illegally.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton delivers her concession speech in New York on Nov. 9. Her campaign announced Saturday it will back recount efforts in three states.

Clinton Campaign Says It Will Participate In Recount Efforts

5:45pm November 26, 2016

by Laura Wagner

The Clinton camp also said it is "fully aware" that the outcome of the election is unlikely to change.

American University Historian On Election Results: 'Polls Are Not Predictions'

6:35pm November 09, 2016

NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Allan Lichtman, professor of history at American University, about his prediction model and the vagaries of polling.

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Election officials test ballot tabulation machines in Phoenix.

As Calls Of A 'Rigged' Election Continue, Voting Officials Highlight Open Doors

3:48pm November 02, 2016

by Carrie Jung

"There are so many checks and balances on this system. It continues to prove itself on a daily basis," said Karen Osborne, the director of elections in Maricopa Country, Ariz.

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