Question

ass Media in American Politics
A line graph titled If the election were held today, whom would you vote for? It shows Weeks until election on the x axis from 6 to 1 and percentage of voters on the y axis. Line labeled Diaz starts at 34 on 6, to 30 on 4, 34 on 3, 35 on 2, 38 on 1. Line labeled Smith starts at 32 on 6, to 35 on 4, 34 on 3, 33 on 2, 34 on 1.
How can media coverage of polling influence the outcome of an election? Check all that apply.

Voters are less informed about the potential outcome of the election.
Candidates learn more about their standing.
Voters may be more or less motivated to support a candidate.
Candidates are less informed about voter desires.
Campaigns are more able to predict election outcomes.

Answer 1

Check the following (and why):

- Candidates learn more about their standing. — Yes. Publicized polls reveal where candidates stand in the race.
- Voters may be more or less motivated to support a candidate. — Yes. Polls can create bandwagon or underdog effects and change turnout/strategic voting.
- Campaigns are more able to predict election outcomes. — Yes. Repeated polling (public and private) helps campaigns estimate likely results.

Do not check:

- Voters are less informed about the potential outcome of the election. — Media polling generally increases, not decreases, public information about likely outcomes (though accuracy can vary).
- Candidates are less informed about voter desires. — Media coverage of polls typically makes candidates more, not less, informed.