Tyee article, Polls ‘Dont Predict the Future’, by Tom Barrett, brings to light a not so shocking revelation: political polling is a travesty.
How could polls, a random selection of potential voters, truly reveal an accurate representation of the greater political mindset. Even if great care was taken to choose a handful of voters from each region, class, demographic, religion, etc., the poll would still be flawed.
People lie, they don’t show up to vote or simply don’t respond to pollsters. The type of method used to contact voters and the arrangement of questions also affect the end result, as Barrett’s article suggests.
The only truly accurate poll that exists are the results following election night. But, there’s a need for data, numbers, for reporting and, in turn, manipulation.
Why do polls exist? It appears to provide media with something to talk about. Streeters are only good for so long.
But I was once told by a political scientist that you can find a poll that will say whatever it is you want to say.
Polling numbers thus provide political parties with something to spin and counter-spin.
Polls are flawed by the sheer randomization of such a small pool of respondents, which can be further biased by the approach or method used to gather the data.
So, if polls are inaccurate representations of the true political landscape of the greater voter consciousness, why do news organizations use them? It’s easy to understand why politicians do, but news agencies?
Is it time news outlets stop reporting on polls until stricter rules and regulations are put in place that provide better, more sound data?
Everything reported is supposed to be factual, yet political news talk boils down to opinion. Opinions can persuade, they can sway, they can influence. Polls are speculation — opinion — is it something the general public must know?
Perhaps, but reliable, factual data, not biased drivel.
Surrey BC'er 