FABP.Survey.Supporting Statement B

Supporting Statement B
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
Study of the Feasibility and Advisability of Establishing a Program of Free Return or
Reduced Postage for Absentee Ballots
Survey of Registered Voters

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any
sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities
(e.g. establishments, State and local governmental units, households, or persons) in the
universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation
must also include expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has
been conducted before, provide the actual response rate achieved.
The respondent universe for this study includes all adults aged 18 years who reside in one of the
50 U.S. states. The sample will be 1,200 respondents, and we aim to obtain a response rate of
30%. This is the first collection for the EAC of this kind.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for
stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy
needed for the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring
specialized sampling procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data
collection cycles to reduce burden.
The survey will be conducted by phone in both English and Spanish using random digit dialing
(RDD) technology. In RDD surveys, telephone exchanges in the United States are selected at
random according the specifications of the sampling plan. The last digits needed to complete the
phone number are generated completely at random. This design ensures full implementation of
the sampling plan and ensures that those with listed and unlisted numbers have an equal chance
of being included in the sample. Within each contacted household, a respondent will be selected
among all adults in the household aged 18 years and who are citizens.

3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with non-response.
The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for
the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be
provided if they will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe
studied.

To maximize the chances of making contact with a potential respondent, as many as 10 attempts
will be made to complete an interview at every sampled household, and calls will be staggered
over times of the day and days of the week.
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as
effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB
must give prior approval.
The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press has used these questions in previous
surveys, thus through other organizations these questions have already been refined.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the statistical
aspects of the design, and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other
person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.
1. Karen Lynn-Dyson
Research Director
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
1225 New York Avenue, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 566-3100
[email protected]
2. Dr. Karen Buerkle
Senior Researcher
Applied Research Center on Democracy and Elections
IFES
1101 15th St., NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 350-6741
[email protected]