Exit Polls

Exit polls are used all over the world. Are their any downsides? Watch the video to find out.

Read the following words and phrases and their definitions.

• democratic process = a practice that allows democracy to exist; the right to vote is one of these practices
• poll = an activity in which several or many people are asked one or more similar questions in order to learn about how people think about something
• voting booth = a small, enclosed area in which a person stands while casting a vote
• pollster = someone who asks questions in a poll
• ethnicity = ethnic character or background (ethnic = relating to races or large groups of people who have the same customs, religion, origin, etc.)
• marital status = the state of being married or not married
• rely heavily on = to depend a lot on something
• deter = to cause people to decide not to do something
• turn out = to happen, end, or develop in a particular way

First read the assignment. Next watch the video. Take notes to help you do the assignment.

1. What happens at exit polls? Name the three steps.


2. Which additional information can be asked at an exit poll? Name at least three examples.


3. What does “jumping the gun” mean?


4. How do exit polls in US elections jump the gun?