US midterm elections 2026: Who runs the exit polls? The SSRS survey behind every network’s projections

SSRS is an American nonpartisan research organisation specialising in public opinion research, surveys and data collection. It conducts The Voter Poll for The Associated Press and major US television networks. The 2026 partnership reportedly includes ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News Media, NBC News, MS NOW and AP. BBC and The Wall Street Journal will also report findings from the 2026 Voter Poll. The survey was launched during the November 2025 general election as an evolution of traditional exit polling and AP VoteCast. SSRS brings its survey research expertise, while AP and the television networks contribute their experience in election coverage and voter research.

All about the SSRS survey?

The Voter Poll uses multiple methods to reach voters and combines interviews conducted at polling locations with surveys conducted through mail, telephone and online platforms.

The approach is designed to include people who vote in person on Election Day, those who vote early and those who can cast ballots by mail. SSRS uses voter registration records and other administrative information to identify and verify. The survey uses probability-based samples as well as verified opt-in online panels. Statistical methods are used to combine responses collected through different channels and produce estimates of the electorate's voting behaviour.


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What information does the survey collect?

It is designed to understand not just whom Americans voted for but also why they made those choices. It collects information about information about the voters' background, age, gender, race, education and other characteristics is collected. This helps in examining how they think about political and economic issues. The wide range of issues include inflation, immigration, healthcare and the economy, and helps networks explain voting patterns beyond the final count.

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How is the survey used by American television networks?

It helps American television networks understand the composition of the electorate. It also helps in identifying voting patterns. It is also used for survey findings alongside actual vote counts, historical voting data and statistical analysis. This also provides context for understanding why a party or candidate performed better or worse than expected.