RWU and WPRI 12 Partnering on Campaign 2018 Polling

Poll results coming Monday on Rhode Island governor’s race, plus hot topics such as immigration and gun laws

WPRI and RWU logos

BRISTOL, R.I. ­­– Roger Williams University and WPRI 12 are forging a new partnership to provide public opinion polling during the 2018 campaign season. RWU will also serve as the host of a live WPRI 12 candidate debate later this year.

The first poll results will be released on Monday, March 5, providing fresh insights into the Rhode Island governor’s race and timely data about crucial issues such as immigration, gun laws and sexual harassment.

“As it strives to be the university the world needs now, Roger Williams University looks for opportunities to engage with the community and address the issues that matter most today,” RWU President Donald J. Farish said. “So we are excited to partner with WPRI 12 to provide polling data and candidate forums that will help inform Rhode Island voters and public policymakers.”

“WPRI 12 has been the leader in Rhode Island political polling for more than three decades, and we’re proud to continue that tradition with a new partner,” said Patrick Wholey, Vice President and General Manager of WPRI 12, Fox Providence, CW Providence and myRITV. “The Eyewitness News team is committed to providing the most comprehensive in-depth political coverage all year so voters can be informed when they go to the polls.”

With input from experts at RWU, WPRI 12 will develop polling questions, and Fleming & Associates, based in Cumberland, R.I., will conduct the polls by sampling local registered voters. At least one live, televised debate will be held at RWU’s Bristol campus. RWU staff and faculty members, such as political science Professor June Speakman, will appear on WPRI 12’s “Newsmakers” to analyze the polls and debates, and RWU students will conduct exit polls during the fall elections.

On Monday, poll results will be posted both on https://www.rwu.edu/ and http://wpri.com/.