Why polls may lie

[jhetley]

One thing that comes up in discussions of election fraud:  "Why would people lie about their vote to pollsters?"

Well, just for starters, some people may refuse to answer polls.  We have passed up several chances to be "polled" over the phone because we have no idea who the pollsters are, who they represent, and how they will use their results. 

Likewise, while a vote is alleged to be secret, we have no such assurance for poll answers.  If you are the sort of person who keeps lists (viz. "Lord of Light"), knowing who voted for this or that could lead to future action . . .

Finally, it's none of your damned business.

Comments

[malkingrey.livejournal.com]

I know at least one person (not me) who regularly and consistently lies to pollsters as a matter of principle, on the grounds that they are invaders of personal privacy and do not deserve the truth.

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

Sorta like revenuers, eh?

[kinzel.livejournal.com]

My reaction to polls is to say thank you, but I'm not at home to these questions. We need a poll to find out if people who refue to answer polls tend to vote in a .... oh, wait.