A Voter’s Guide: 10 Facts about Midterm Elections
8. Polls as Persuasion
Popular opinion is persuasive. While Americans like to believe the electorate is independent minded, popular opinion has a strong influence. Polling agencies and media outlets understand this. Adjusting sample sizes and how the sample is collected can greatly change the results of any poll. 25 college students polled outside a gay rights rally will probably result in polls favoring the left, for example. The media will broadcast these polls as an attempt to influence perception about public opinion. Often electoral polls will be used to rally or deter voters, depending on the slant. Large leads will often be downplayed out of fear that voters will assume the win in locked in and stay home on election day.
