The Canadian Election Studies

An account of the evolution and history of the Canadian Election Studies, an assessment of lessons learned, and a consideration of their future.

A comprehensive review of the first four decades of the Canadian Election Studies, showing how this series of surveys is important in the study not only of Canadian politics but also of comparative electoral behavior.

Why do Canadians vote the way they do? The primary objective of the ongoing Canadian Election Studies (CES) has been to investigate that question. After more than four decades of gathering and analyzing data, principal investigators of the CES come together in this volume to document the history of these surveys and consider their future.

This wide-ranging collection of essays provides useful background and insights on the relevance of the CES, and lends perspective to the debate about where to steer the CES in the years ahead. Contributors outline how the CES project began and how far it has come, assess the quantity and types of data that have been collected, and explore the theoretical and methodological developments that have been involved. Looking toward the future, the book highlights the challenges that lie ahead and provides suggestions for change.