Election polls and debate polls are usually conducted during the Presidential Election in the United States. Election polls will be based on the opinion of the American public, in which sets of questions are asked in order to provide for a cohesive frame of reference in terms of the results. Debate polls will be similar as well, though the actual inquiries may differ and may relate more closely to issues in a particular debate rather than overall or broad issues with a Presidential campaign.
Both election polls and debate polls reflect how the American public may ultimately vote when the time comes to go to polls and cast their votes. However, it is important to consider that not all election polls will provide for the same results. Ultimately, election polls and debate polls will have many variables that will ultimately alter the results. A crucial factor will prove to be that actual way in which election polls and debate polls are conducted, for the methodology itself will have an influence in the final results.
When it comes to the actual methodology in which election polls and debate polls are administered, the very questions that are asked and how they are formulated will have an impact on the results. The questions themselves may be formulated to provide for a certain outcome, and thus, influencing the results to reflect a particular stance.
Furthermore, the focus groups that are polled will also provide for distinct differences. Certain polls may choose to only include women in their data, or a particular ethnic group. The varying political opinions will provide for varying results.