What is a common criticism of election polling?

Answer 1

A common criticism of election polling is its potential for inaccuracy. Critics argue that polling results may not always be representative of the entire population due to factors such as sampling bias, nonresponse bias, or flawed methodologies. They argue that sample sizes may be too small or not truly random, leading to biased results. Additionally, critics suggest that factors like undecided voters, late shifts in public opinion, or hidden voting preferences may not accurately be captured by polls. Furthermore, some argue that polling itself can influence public opinion, as people may alter their views to align with the perceived majority. These criticisms highlight the need for careful interpretation of polling data and the understanding that it is just a snapshot of public opinion at a specific moment in time.