Monmouth University will close the voting lab after 20 years of data collection pooled from national and state surveys to predict highly contested political race outcomes.
“Following all the yearly reviews of the University Center and Institute, I have made the decision to take effect on July 1, 2025 and close the Monmouth University Voting Institute.”
He praised the Institute's achievements under the guidance of Patrick Murray, the founding director who helped launch the university's voting practices in 2005.
Additionally, FiveThirtyeight, which is set to close, recognizes the institute as one of the best independent election survey and analysis sites for accuracy and transparency.
“At that height, the institute played a prominent role in helping to enhance the image of the university and amplify its reputation among households across the country,” Leahy said.
“However, the changing political and media landscape has made it more difficult and expensive for voting organizations to run. Furthermore, many years of efforts to integrate the work of the Poling Institute with both student experience and Monmouth University's broader academic enterprises have encountered mixed results,” he added.
Leahy said the Voting Institute resources will be redirected to other strategic initiatives in Monmouth.
