Definition

The systematic process of surveying a representative sample of voters or population to gauge opinions, predict election outcomes, or validate policy support. Politicians obsess over it; statisticians argue about its accuracy.

Example Usage

The latest polling shows the incumbent trailing by 4 points, which is within the margin of error, so basically nobody knows what's going to happen.

Source: Election and political research terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

rider

An unrelated provision attached to a bill like a barnacle on a ship's hull, often sneaking through policy that couldn't survive on its own merits. Politicians use riders to smuggle controversial items through on popular legislation.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

sovereignty

Supreme authority within a territory, recognizing no legal superior in domestic or international affairs. The political equivalent of 'I'm not touching you'—technically independent while still subject to economic reality and military power.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

scamble

A catch-all term for any shady, nonsensical, or fraudulent activity, especially when perpetrated by governments or institutions. It's what happens when 'scam' and 'scramble' had a cynical baby.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

honeymoon period

The brief window after an election when the new administration gets benefit of the doubt and media treats them like they might not be terrible. It lasts anywhere from 100 days to about 100 minutes depending on how quickly someone says something stupid.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

broadside

A simultaneous volley of cannon fire from one side of a warship designed to obliterate enemies; by extension, any aggressive attack delivered all at once. Modern usage: a scathing written or verbal assault that hits you with everything at once.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Advanced

pyrrhic victory

A political win achieved at such devastating cost that it might as well be a loss. It's succeeding so hard you destroy yourself in the process—the legislative equivalent of winning the battle but losing the war.

🏛️ Government / Politics

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See “polling” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

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