A process for preparing a solution of a copolymer of a vinylpyridine and an ethylenically-unsaturated copolymerizable vinylbenzyl quaternary salt is disclosed. The process comprises polymerizing, in the presence of a polymerization medium comprising water and a lower alcohol, a vinylpyridine and a copolymerizable vinylbenzyl quaternary ammonium salt having the formula ##STR1## wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is independently alkyl; substituted alkyl; cycloalkyl; aryl; aralkyl; alkaryl, or at least two of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together with the quaternary nitrogen atom to which they are bonded complete a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring. The process provides the desired copolymer in the form of a clear solution useful in the formation of polymeric coatings or layers utilized as image-receiving layers in photographic products and processes.