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Politics. The word alone stirs up emotions within. For those who are on one side or another, their ears perk up, and their hearts start racing. Then there are some that dread the conversation, and don’t want to discuss politics at all. Next year, we will be voting for the top job in this country – commander in chief, leader of the free world – President of the United States. There are many who want the job, and many who want to influence our opinions of who should have the job.
Every day I hear of a new poll suggesting the current perception of a candidate, or the status of our current president. Those numbers are researched, calculated, and shared with the public. Candidates are marketing themselves based on these polls. Those who are still deciding on their candidate are swayed by the polls. What I want to know is why they never ask me! I would like my voice counted, just once, for one of these polls, because I do care who wins the election!
A few years ago, someone did call my house, offering me a chance to participate in a political poll. I was so excited! It was finally my turn. They started by asking me who I was going to vote for in a local campaign. The next question also pertained to the same race. The third question asked how they could convince me to vote for a different candidate. It wasn’t a real poll at all! It was marketing, disguised as a poll. After screaming, “I will never, ever, ever vote for him!” I hung up the phone. Alas, it still wasn’t my turn.
The more I learn about opinion polls and survey research, the more I realize how easy it is to alter the outcome. When I hear poll results, I find myself thinking about what questions could have been asked. Were they leading questions? Did they force the participant to answer a question, without offering enough choices? What were the incentives to take the poll? I wonder if these political polls have the same integrity that politics is known for. That could be scary.
Do you trust polls and surveys?
Graphic Credit:
Animationfactory.com
1. Bonner88 |Dec. 30, 2011 @ 12:33 AM
I enjoyed reading your article and the answer to your question is NO, I do not trust political surveys or polls. There are far too many misinformed voters who are making candidate choices based on emotions instead of facts. These marketing polls don't prove anything but have the ability to influence voters. I am not sure if I will ever trust political polls. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.