Ethics & Standards
Code of Conduct & Organizational Ethics
Independence, transparency, and respect for the citizen's voice are the foundation of our work. We design and report research in ways that support trust — in the data, in the process, and ultimately in the possibility of more responsive public institutions.
Core Principles
- Independence of research design, execution, and reporting
- Full and timely disclosure of methodology on public releases
- Strict operational firewalls consistent with applicable election law
- Protection of respondent privacy and data security
- Prohibition of push-polling and deceptive practices
- Good-faith measurement of public opinion
Legal Compliance
We adhere to all applicable federal and state requirements governing political research and independent expenditures, including:
- Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)
- Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)
- Federal Election Commission regulations on coordination and independent expenditures
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
- Applicable data privacy and electronic communications statutes
Disclosure Standards
We align our public reporting practices with the disclosure standards of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the Principles of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls (NCPP).
At the time of any public release we disclose, at minimum:
- Sponsor and conducting organization
- Exact question wording and response options
- Population under study and geographic scope
- Sampling frame and method (probability or non-probability)
- Sample size and precision measures
- Mode(s) of data collection and field dates
- Weighting procedures and any modeling adjustments
- Key limitations of the design
Additional methodological detail is available upon request in accordance with professional standards.
Professional Standards
We orient our practices toward the AAPOR Code of Professional Ethics and Practices and the transparency principles historically advanced by the National Council on Public Polls. Formal membership and affiliation decisions will be made as the firm scales.
Accountability
Material errors are corrected promptly. Proprietary client data and respondent information are handled under strict confidentiality protocols.
Questions regarding our standards may be directed to the firm.
Corrections log
We fix errors on the page where they appear and record every material correction here, newest first. Spotted something wrong? Email info@americafirstpolling.org.
Oct 9, 2026 · Race Center, Alaska
One market lists Alaska candidates without a party, so the Precision Combined number counted Mary Peltola on the wrong side and showed her at 36% while the markets had her near 74%. Fixed the same day by matching candidate names across platforms.
Oct 9, 2026 · Race Center, Louisiana Senate
A market feed carried candidate names from a different state's race. We now take candidate names from the platforms that label them correctly.
Oct 9, 2026 · Race Center ratings
Some races kept an older hand-set rating that disagreed with the live numbers (Kansas was labeled Safe at 56%). Ratings are now set by the Precision Combined number.
For press
Reporters and editors can reach us directly at press@americafirstpolling.org, separate from client inquiries. Our method and sources are on the methodology page and may be cited with attribution.
Questions about our standards?
We welcome scrutiny of our methods and our conduct. Reach out any time.
Contact the Firm