How Does a Deliberative Opinion Poll® Work?
A random sample of citizens in a defined geographic area are called and given a brief survey that establishes their demographic and attitudinal profile. This makes it possible to figure out if those who eventually attend the Citizen Deliberation are representative of the larger sample. After the survey, the citizens are invited to attend a Citizen Deliberation event. Often, to minimize barriers to participation, citizens are told they will be paid a stipend for their time. Those who say they will come to the event are sent balanced background materials. The participants come together for a day, and are randomly assigned to moderated small groups to discuss the issues. As part of their small group discussions, they develop questions to ask a balanced panel of experts on each issue. At the end of the event, they fill out another survey. The citizens’ changes of opinion from before and after their deliberation are analyzed. These results are shared with the larger public and with opinion-
