know anyone who chooses to vote based on who's ahead in Polls?

[pstokely]

?

[Was_Immer]

1. No one will admit to it

But I remember a study when I was an undergraduate that showed that infact this does occur. People feel better voting for a candidate if they know he will win.

[MS68]

4. I think if it happens, it's on a subconscious level...

Alot of people don't really know what they believe. They don't take the time to check out the issues or to think about anything that doesn't directly affect them at the moment. Therefore, subconsciously they figure that if the majority of people are voting for a candidate, that candidate must be the best one...

[newyawker99]

5. Hi MS68!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[fugue]

2. It also has a big effect on turnout

Politicians want the opinion polls to show a tight race because it gets people to their voting site. If your guy is either really losing or very ahead, you're less likely to bother to vote, and that can swing an election.

[Sputnik]

3. Yes

And they need to heed this advice:


Your vote is not a bet on which candidate will win but rather a statement of who you are.


(Or something like that. I wish I could remember who said it.)