Harvard Law Today covers TrueViews, the new tool for seeing public opinion on many policies and at many geographic levels.

[T]hanks to a new freeware data tool created by experts from Harvard Law School and the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, determining the policy preferences of constituents in any geographic location within the United States just became infinitely easier.

At first glance, the visionary “TrueViews” data platform looks like a standard map of the United States. But as soon as users move their cursor over any geographic location on the diagram, the tool’s true value comes to life.

Using survey results from over one million Americans, TrueViews provides users an immediate snapshot of how residents in any particular state, county, district, city/town, or zip code feel about 32 different policy issues ranging from marijuana decriminalization to universal healthcare to fossil fuel emission limits. 

By simply selecting one of the issues — for example, “Do you support or oppose eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders?” — and any jurisdiction within the United States, TrueViews immediately generates a color-coded geographic overview and estimates of what percentage of residents support or oppose the policy selected. 

The goal, according to its creators? Equip decisionmakers and information providers throughout the country with a more accurate understanding of how the people they serve feel about important policy issues.