How America Approaches Exit Polls Compared to the UK: A Look at the Differences and Reasons | US News
When it comes to election coverage, there are distinct differences between the UK and the United States.
Last July, Sky News predicted a Labour victory and a Conservative defeat based on their exit poll graphic, but final results take time to emerge as votes are counted at the local level.
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The process in America is quite different due to the staggered closing times of polling stations across different states. This results in early counting in some areas while voting is still ongoing in others.
Once all voting is completed, the national exit poll headline is revealed, highlighting the demographics and issues influencing the election, but not the outcome.
On the other hand, the US releases voting data as it becomes available, allowing for real-time comparisons with past elections. This data is crucial for networks like NBC to predict each state’s presidential vote.
Early voting in Henderson, Nevada, on 19 October. Pic: AP
With over 160 million votes expected, the US election is on a much larger scale than the UK’s general election. The US focuses more on issues and voter demographics rather than just predicting the winner like the UK does.
The UK exit poll aims to forecast seat distribution and the winning party, while the US poll delves into voter preferences and motivations.
Pic: AP
US pollsters are more interested in campaign issues that mattered to voters. Pic: AP
The US focuses more on the issues that resonated with voters and the factors influencing their choices, rather than solely predicting the winner. The demographic data collected allows for a detailed analysis of voter behavior.
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In the US, victory is determined by the electoral college votes, with networks like NBC analyzing precinct-level data to make informed calls for each state. The final decision is based on the candidate’s insurmountable lead.
While the exit poll provides insights into voter behavior, it’s crucial to wait for the official results in a close race like the 2024 presidential election.
For the broadcasters covering the election, the decision is a momentous one, as accusations of misconduct could delay the final outcome. It might take days or even legal battles before the 2024 election winner is declared.
