The Lab

The Lab is the Columbia Political Union’s applied politics, research, and civic engagement initiative. Focused on polling, elections, political data, campaigns, media, and public policy, The Lab provides students with opportunities to engage directly with the practical side of politics and democratic participation.

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A central focus of The Lab is political polling and public opinion research. Currently, there is no major organization at Columbia dedicated to systematically surveying students and surrounding communities on political issues, campus affairs, elections, and public policy. The Lab aims to fill that gap by producing original polling, research, and analysis that contribute to a more informed and substantive political dialogue on campus. Through surveys, data analysis, and research projects, students will explore not only what people believe, but why they believe it.

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The Lab also serves as CPU’s hub for local elections and civic engagement initiatives throughout New York City. From city government and borough politics to state and federal elections, students will have opportunities to participate in projects connected to real political institutions and campaigns. The Lab seeks to increase civic participation both within the Columbia community and across New York City through practical engagement with democratic processes.

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Programming under The Lab includes:

• Political polling and public opinion research

• Election and demographic data analysis

• Campaign and civic engagement initiatives

• Voter and poll worker registration drives

• Candidate forums and issue-based discussions

• Research projects focused on New York politics and public policy

• Media, communications, and political strategy initiatives

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In past years, CPU has organized forums featuring local candidates and public officials in order to increase awareness of often overlooked but highly consequential offices in New York City government. The Lab plans to continue and expand these efforts through candidate events, civic education initiatives, and partnerships with organizations across campus and the city.

The Lab is designed to give students hands-on experience with the institutions, data, and processes that shape modern politics while building a stronger culture of civic participation at Columbia and beyond.