Databases
- iPoll Search (1935 to date) This link opens in a new windowComprehensive source for US nationwide public opinion as measured by academic, media and commercial survey organizations. Data is available at the question-level. Dates of coverage: 1935 -
- Sage Data This link opens in a new windowLarge repository of harmonized datasets from a variety of sources, with global and time series coverage. Datasets allow complete access to datasets using customizable tables, graphs and maps, with numerous output formats available (Excel, PDF, delimited text, SAS, SPSS, XML, Shapefile GIS).
- Data.gov This link opens in a new windowProvides descriptions of the Federal datasets (metadata), information about how to access the datasets, and tools that leverage government datasets. Great place to find population, housing, economic and geographic data, climate, education, energy, health, and science as well as maps, fact sheets, tools and other resources.
- Historical Statistics of the United States This link opens in a new window
Standard source for quantitative facts of American history. Users can view and download data, and create customized tables and spreadsheets.
- Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
Provides access to current and historical U.S. census and other demographic data. Users can create maps and reports.
Users must register for an account (free for current students, faculty, and staff with an active oberlin.edu email address) to access a full range of features.
Follow these steps to complete the account registration process:
1. If prompted, enter oberlin.edu email address, then select Continue;
2. Enter first name, last name, and a password, then select Continue;
3. Under “Choose industry”, select “Education” from the dropdown menu;
4. Under “Position”, select the appropriate role (e.g. “Undergraduate Student”), then select “Continue”;
5. A pop-up message may appear, confirming coverage under a professional license provided by the College; select “Continue”.
Tips for finding state and local elections data
Elections data can be fragmentary. Information on returns is collected initially by election commissions in each state, and is typically published on a webstate maintained at the state level. Wikipedia maintains a list of these websites. Typically if you navigate to the state website, you can find .csv or .xlxs data reflecting returns for each election, often down to the county or precinct level. Look for a section of the website called something similar to "Election results and data," (for example, you can visit the Ohio Elections website to see how things are typically organized.)
You may also find some mapping and aggregation tools useful for data visualization and comparison across years. Library tools like Sage Data and Social Explorer provide some functions like this, and many news organization provide similar tools for recent elections. For example, the New York Times has a map with county level data for the 2020 election, and the Daily Kos has a map highlighting the 2020 presidential election winners for each 2022 and 2011-2021 Congressional district.
- Census Bureau Voting and Registration TablesComparing registration data to vote counts can help determine turnout.
- American National Election Studies Data CenterCompares public opinion and polling data to election results. Requires registration.
Stats books
Vital Statistics on the Presidency by ISBN: 9781452299938Publication Date: 2014-05-07Looking beyond the individual office holders to the office itself, this Fourth Edition of Vital Statistics on the Presidency covers George Washington's tenure through the 2012 election. The book's expansive view of the presidency allows readers to recognize major themes across administrations and to reach overall conclusions about the nature of the institution and its future. The illuminating data is put into context by thoughtful essays explaining key statistical patterns, making this edition an intriguing and comprehensive reference to important patterns throughout the history of the presidency.
