SALT LAKE CITY — The Deseret News and the Hinckley Institute of Politics have teamed up with an independent pollster to find out what’s on the minds of Utahns.

Monthly surveys conducted by Scott Rasmussen, a nationally recognized public opinion analyst, will gauge resident attitudes on a variety of local and national issues. With 2020 being an election year, much of the polling will focus on politics.

“Utah is uniquely positioned and people are looking at what is happening in Utah,” said Boyd Matheson, Deseret News opinion editor. “This partnership provides a window-in look as well as a window-out perspective.”

The University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute has a rich history of reading residents of the state and convening thought leaders on crucial topics, and Rasmussen is looked to by politicians and business leaders for unique perspectives on issues and trends, he said.

“I’m excited about working with the team at Hinckley and at the Deseret News,” Rasmussen said.

Hinckley Institute director Jason Perry said the partnership will bring thoughtful, trusted and nonpartisan polling to the state. Policymakers, he said, need to hear the will of the people and proper polling can be a powerful tool to make that happen.

“As we have seen through initiatives, referendums and the voting booth, the collective voice of the people matters and with the Deseret News, we will make sure that it is heard,” Perry said.

The partnership is further evidence of the Deseret News commitment to local journalism as well as providing those outside of Utah with a look at what’s happening here, said Doug Wilks, editor of the Deseret News.

“We are engaged in providing the strongest and most in-depth news report in the state. This will allow us to build more perspective and commentary to the benefit of both those who live here and those who wish they did,” he said.