Poly(2-methoxy-5-methylthio-1,4-phenylene vinylene), PMTPV, and copolymers containing both unsubstituted or 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted and 2-methoxy-5-methylthio-1,4-phenylene vinylene units were prepared in thin films from their water-soluble sulfonium salt precursor polymers. Doping of drawn and undrawn films of PMTPV with I2 vapor led to conductivities of 10(-4)-10(-3) S cm-1, which is significantly lower than those reported for poly(2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene vinylene). Conductivity of I2-doped copolymer films ranges from 10(-3)-10(0) S cm-1 depending on composition.