50 Facts About Ann Selzer

Early Life and Education

Ann Selzer's journey to becoming a renowned pollster began with a strong foundation in her early years and education.

1. Birth and Early Life: Ann Selzer was born in 1956 in Rochester, Minnesota, but she grew up in Topeka, Kansas, as the middle child in a family of five.
2. Family Background: Her father was a Mayo Clinic-trained surgeon, and her mother had a master’s degree in creative writing and was a reporter at a daily newspaper in Kansas City.
3. Education: Selzer attended the University of Kansas for her undergraduate degree, initially studying pre-med but later switching to Speech and Dramatics Arts, which she graduated with in 1978.
4. Ph.D. in Communication Theory: After completing her undergraduate degree, Selzer pursued a Ph.D. in Communication Theory and Research from the University of Iowa, which she earned in 1984.
5. Early Interest in Data: Ann Selzer’s interest in data and numbers began at a young age. She recalls conducting her first poll at the age of five among neighborhood moms to determine if a nickname was unflattering.

Career Beginnings and Professional Growth

Ann Selzer's career took off with significant roles and experiences that shaped her path in public opinion research.

6. Academic Fellowship: After completing her Ph.D., Selzer participated in an academic fellowship in England and later worked for a year as a congressional fellow in Washington, D.C., under Representative Barbara Mikulski of Maryland.
7. Career at The Des Moines Register: Selzer joined The Des Moines Register in the late 1980s and quickly became the director of the Iowa Poll, a position she held for many years.
8. Founding of Selzer & Company: In 1996, Ann Selzer founded her own polling firm, Selzer & Company, which has since become a leading provider of public opinion research.

Polling Methodology and Innovations

Selzer's unique approach to polling has set her apart in the field, known for its accuracy and minimal weighting.

9. Polling Methodology: Selzer’s polls utilize random sampling through random digit dialing in a dual-frame design with both landlines and cell phones. The sampling frame typically consists of lists of registered voters, with likely voters determined through self-reported responses on intention to vote or participate in caucuses.
10. Minimal Weighting: Unlike many other pollsters, Selzer uses minimal weighting in her polling, adjusting only for demographic variables such as age, race, and sex with U.S. census data. She declines to adjust for variables like recalled voting history.

Achievements and Recognition

Ann Selzer's meticulous work has earned her numerous accolades and a stellar reputation in the polling industry.

11. Accuracy and Reputation: Ann Selzer’s meticulous approach to polling has earned her an A+ rating from Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight.com, a distinction shared with only two other polling firms from an analysis of over 300.
12. Iowa Poll Accuracy: The Iowa Poll under Selzer’s direction has a reputation for being highly accurate, with only one notable blunder in predicting a presidential election outcome—incorrectly putting John Kerry over George W. Bush by 5 percentage points in 2004.
13. Correct Prediction in 2008: In contrast, Selzer’s poll correctly predicted Barack Obama’s comfortable victory in the 2008 Iowa Democratic caucuses.
14. Partnership with Grinnell College: Recently, Selzer has partnered with Grinnell College as part of the Grinnell College National Poll program, further expanding her reach in academic and public opinion research.
15. Media Appearances: Ann Selzer has appeared on various major news programs including CBS Evening News, Fox News Channel, PBS NewsHour, and NPR, among others, showcasing her expertise in political polling.
16. Research Award of Merit: In 2004, Selzer received the Research Award of Merit from the Newspaper Association of America for her outstanding contributions to public opinion research.
17. TEDx Talk: In 2012, Ann Selzer delivered a TEDx talk, highlighting her insights into political polling and its complexities.
18. Non-Partisan Approach: Known for her non-partisan approach, Selzer’s presentations aim to make complex political polling accessible and engaging, often incorporating playful elements to keep audiences interested.
19. Community Involvement: Beyond her professional career, Ann Selzer is involved in various community activities, including singing alto with the Des Moines Choral Society and participating in local competitive events like Scrabble tournaments.
20. Woman Business Owner of the Year: In 2011, Selzer was honored as the Woman Business Owner of the Year by the Des Moines Business Record for her entrepreneurial achievements.

Retirement and Legacy

Ann Selzer's retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy in political polling remains influential.

21. Retirement Announcement: In November 2024, Ann Selzer announced her retirement from conducting the Iowa Poll, citing that this year was always intended to be her final year due to her transition to other ventures and opportunities.
22. Final Poll Misfire: The final Iowa Poll under Selzer’s direction incorrectly showed Vice President Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump by 3 percentage points, which turned out to be a significant misfire as Trump won the election soundly.
23. Legacy and Impact: Despite the final misfire, Ann Selzer’s legacy in political polling remains strong. Her meticulous approach and innovative techniques have set a high standard for public opinion research.
24. Personal Integrity: Selzer emphasized the importance of personal integrity in her work, stating that her commitment to truth and accuracy is paramount both professionally and personally.
25. Planned Retirement: Selzer clarified that her retirement was not driven by the recent misfire but was always part of her planned transition to other projects and opportunities.
26. Evolution of the Iowa Poll: Gannett Media, which owns The Des Moines Register, announced plans to evolve the Iowa Poll, finding new ways to accurately capture public sentiment and the pulse of Iowans on state and national issues.
27. Mission Statement: The mission of The Des Moines Register to provide trusted news and content to readers and the public was acknowledged as not fully met in the recent election cycle, highlighting the need for improvement in polling methodologies.
28. Final Reflections: In her guest column announcing retirement, Selzer reflected on the nature of polling as a science of estimation, acknowledging that science periodically humbles the scientist. She expressed willingness to learn from unexpected findings.

Personal Insights and Advice

Ann Selzer's personal experiences and advice offer valuable lessons for aspiring professionals.

29. Career Advice: Selzer advises early career professionals to find problems and fix them, making their bosses look good. This approach has been instrumental in her career advancement.
30. Personal Interests: Outside of her professional life, Ann Selzer enjoys various hobbies, including singing with the Des Moines Choral Society and participating in Scrabble tournaments.
31. Professional Services: Beyond polling, Selzer offers her expertise to a diverse set of clients including non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, and startups, helping them with audience development and strategic research.
32. Public Speaking Engagements: Ann Selzer is a sought-after speaker, particularly on topics related to the Iowa caucuses, election year polling, and American political dynamics. Her presentations are renowned for being non-partisan, insightful, and at times playful.
33. Media Presence: She has been a guest on major news programs like CBS Evening News, Face the Nation, and Morning Joe, among others, showcasing her expertise in political polling.
34. Awards and Recognition: Ann Selzer has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work in public opinion research, including the Research Award of Merit from the Newspaper Association of America.
35. Professional Network: Her extensive network includes working with various news organizations such as The Des Moines Register, Detroit Free Press, and Indianapolis Star, among others.
36. Collaborations: Ann Selzer has collaborated with Grinnell College on the Grinnell College National Poll program, further expanding her reach in academic and public opinion research.
37. Polling Firm Operations: Selzer & Company operates out of a building constructed by Selzer herself in 2010 at 308 Fifth Street in West Des Moines’ Valley Junction.
38. Outside Interests: Ann Selzer is involved in various clubs and organizations including the Nexus club and the Powwow discussion club, which assemble once a month to present and critique papers.
39. Community Engagement: Her community involvement extends beyond professional activities, reflecting her commitment to engaging with local communities through various initiatives.
40. Leadership Role: As the president of Selzer & Company, Ann Selzer has led the firm to become one of the most respected names in public opinion research, known for its accuracy and innovative methodologies.

Lasting Impact on Public Opinion Research

Ann Selzer's contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of public opinion research.

41. Innovative Techniques: Selzer’s approach to polling involves innovative techniques such as using minimal weighting and focusing on sample selection, which have contributed significantly to her reputation for exceptional accuracy.
42. Accuracy in Predictions: Despite occasional misfires, Ann Selzer’s polls have consistently shown high accuracy in predicting election outcomes, making her one of the most trusted figures in political polling.
43. Impact on Elections: Her work has had a significant impact on elections, providing critical insights that help candidates and policymakers understand public sentiment and make informed decisions.
44. Media Coverage: Ann Selzer has been featured in various media outlets for her expertise, including CBS Evening News, Fox News Channel, PBS NewsHour, and NPR.
45. Public Perception: Her non-partisan approach and commitment to accuracy have earned her a high level of public trust, making her a respected figure in both academic and professional circles.
46. Educational Background: Ann Selzer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Dramatics Arts from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. in Communication Theory and Research from the University of Iowa.
47. Professional Experience: Before founding Selzer & Company, she worked as the director of research for Starr & Associates and later moved to a public opinion research firm in Washington, D.C.
48. Founding of Selzer Boddy Inc.: In 1992, Ann Selzer founded Selzer Boddy Inc., which later evolved into Selzer & Company in 1996.
49. Legacy in Public Opinion Research: Ann Selzer’s legacy extends beyond her own firm, influencing the broader field of public opinion research with her innovative methodologies and commitment to accuracy.
50. Enduring Impact: Despite her retirement from conducting the Iowa Poll, Ann Selzer’s impact on political polling will continue to be felt, inspiring future generations of researchers and pollsters with her dedication to truth and accuracy.

Ann Selzer's Lasting Impact

Ann Selzer's career in political polling has left an indelible mark on the field. From her early days conducting neighborhood polls to founding Selzer & Company, her dedication to accuracy and innovative methodologies has set her apart. Known for her non-partisan approach, Selzer's work has consistently provided reliable insights into public opinion, influencing elections and shaping political strategies. Even with her recent retirement and the final Iowa Poll misfire, her legacy remains strong. Selzer's meticulous methods and commitment to truth have inspired future generations of pollsters. Her involvement in community activities and public speaking further highlights her multifaceted contributions. As she transitions to new ventures, Ann Selzer's influence on public opinion research will continue to be felt, ensuring her place as a pioneering figure in the world of political polling.