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How Voters Change Their Minds: Early Polls Predict Election Outcomes Better Over Time

Voter preferences evolve throughout an election cycle, yet these changes follow predictable patterns across countries with different political institutions.

📊 Methodology

This study analyzes over 26,000 pre-election polls from 45 nations spanning electoral cycles since 1942. The research employs regression analysis comparing initial poll data to final election results across diverse political systems.

✅ Key Finding

Early polls contain substantial information about eventual outcomes. Importantly, their predictive power increases as the campaign progresses.

🌍 Country Differences

The relationship between polling and outcome varies significantly among countries but follows patterns tied to specific institutional arrangements.

💡 Why This Matters

Understanding how poll accuracy evolves provides crucial insights for political forecasting, campaign strategy development, and comparative analysis of electoral dynamics worldwide.

American Journal of Political Science
The Timeline of Elections: A Comparative Perspective was authored by Will Jennings and Christopher Wlezien. It was published in AJPS in 2016. Find on Google Scholar10.1111/ajps.12189
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