L2 Voter Data

Overview of Access Process

Step to the relevant step in your process.

1. Request Access
2. Wait for contact from Data Services
3. Seek IRB Approval
4. Provide Data Services your IRB Approval Document
5. Follow instructions from Data Services on how to access web interface or data files on RIS storage allocation

Key terms are listed below. You will sign off on all of the terms and conditions when you sign the access form.

1. L2 data is highly confidential information and users are required to maintain the confidentiality of this data. Users are personally responsible for their use of the L2 data and must take reasonable steps to guarantee the security of the data such that it cannot be accessed by anyone other than themselves.


2. Access to this data is only for current WashU researchers only. This data may only be used for non-commercial academic research and may not be shared outside your research team.


3. Users must abide by all governing legislation and regulations regarding the use of the data as set forth by local, state, and federal authorities. This includes, but is not limited to, following regulations regarding contact with voters identified in the L2 data. Please note that the states vary widely in how the information contained in voter lists may be used and it will be your responsibility to comply with these regulations.

To start the process of accessing the L2 Voter Data, please complete the L2 Dataset Request Form below. The request form walks you through the terms and conditions and asks you to explain how you will manage this sensitive data.

Data Services will review your form promptly. Data Services will follow up with you or approve your request. In the meantime, we recommend you start to prepare your IRB submission.

Save the approval email from Data Services because you will need to include it with your IRB submission and you will need to return to the form to upload your IRB approval document.

Once your request is approved by Data Services, you must seek review from the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

• Review the IRB Guidance document below
• Direct your IRB application "to Mitchell Saulisbury-Robertson, per his request".
• Include your approval email from Data Services in your IRB submission

• If requested, include the L2 data dictionary linked below

For questions about your IRB application using L2 voter data, please contact Mitchell Saulisbury-Robertson in the Human Research Protection Office.

When you have received your IRB decision, return to the confirmation email you received from Qualtrics after completing your initial access request and upload your IRB approval document. Upon confirmation of your IRB approval, you will receive instructions on how to access the data in the secure storage allocation.

COMING SOON!

Users who apply for and are granted access will connect to a storage allocation folder on WashU's Research Infrastructure Services (RIS) that contains current and historical data files. In order to access the raw data file, you will need to establish a connection to the mountable storage space that has been allocated to you on Research Workspace. The specific navigation path to use can be found in the email granting you access.

If attempting to connect from an on-campus location, confirm that you are using a Danforth WashU network that requires credentials (e.g. wired network or wireless network that requires a login, not a guest network).

If attempting to connect from an off-campus location, confirm that you have successfully signed in to a WashU VPN.  If you have questions about the WashU VPN options or requirements, see WashU IT's Connect page. Note that in most cases, this means the Cisco AnyConnect application should be installed on your machine.