National Polls Day

A diverse group of people holding signs with colorful illustrations, expressing their opinions, in a lively outdoor setting.. — National polls day illustration

Welcome to National Polls Day, a day for voicing your opinion and making your voice heard! On this special day, we celebrate the power of polls and surveys in shaping public opinion and guiding important decisions. So grab your pens, activate your brain cells, and let's dive into the fascinating world of polls!

When is Polls Day?

It's national polls day on the 18th August.

A Brief History of National Polls Day

National Polls Day originated from the intermingling of technology and democratic spirit. Back in the early days of the internet, when chat rooms were still cool and virtual pets were all the rage, polling platforms emerged as a way for people to gather opinions quickly and efficiently. These online polls became increasingly popular, and it didn't take long for someone to declare a special day dedicated to celebrating their importance.

The first National Polls Day was celebrated on August 18, 2020. It was a momentous occasion, marked by a flurry of online surveys and polls. Social media platforms were abuzz with people expressing their views on everything from favorite ice cream flavors to the cutest animal in the world (hint: it's the quokka).

The Glory of Exercising Your Right to Vote

Participating in polls allows you to exercise your right to have a say in matters that affect you and your community. Whether it's voting in national elections or engaging in online surveys, your opinion matters. Polls provide a platform for you to weigh in on various topics, from political issues to the best type of pizza topping.

By participating in polls, you not only make your voice heard but also contribute to the collective wisdom of the crowd. Poll results can influence decision-making processes, shape public opinion, and even impact policies.

Fun Fact: Polls Can Predict the Future?

Did you know that election polls have been quite accurate in predicting the outcomes of important races? While they are not infallible crystal balls, they have a decent track record. However, it's important to take polls with a grain of salt, as they can never account for unforeseen events or sudden shifts in public sentiment. So beware of any poll that claims to predict the exact number of rainbows that will appear on a unicorn-filled day!

History behind the term 'Polls'

1625

Origins in Ancient Rome

The term 'polls' traces its roots back to ancient Rome. The Romans used the word 'pollis' to refer to the counting or casting of votes in public elections. It was a crucial part of their democratic system, allowing citizens to have a say in various political matters.

1625

The Origins of the Term 'Polls'

The term 'polls' originates from the Middle English word 'polle,' which referred to the head or top of something. In 1625, the term began to be used in English parliamentary proceedings to describe the process of counting and recording votes.

1762

Introduction of the Term 'Polls'

The term 'polls' made its way into the English language in the 18th century. It derived from the Latin word 'pollis' and became commonly used to describe the process of voting in English-speaking countries. It gradually gained prominence as a term used in political discourse.

1867

The Birth of Political Opinion Polling

In 1867, an American journalist named M. O. Lorenz conducted what is considered to be the first recorded poll measuring political opinions. Lorenz surveyed readers of the New York Tribune to gather their preferences for the presidential candidates of the upcoming election. This marked the birth of political opinion polling using scientific methods.

1800

Expanding Use in Elections

As democracy spread and electoral systems evolved, the term 'polls' became firmly associated with election processes in various countries. It encompassed not only the act of voting but also the physical locations or stations where citizens cast their votes. 'Going to the polls' became a widely recognized phrase in relation to participating in elections.

1936

The Literary Legacy of 'Poll' in George Orwell's 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying'

In 1936, renowned British author George Orwell published his novel 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying,' which prominently featured the term 'poll.' The protagonist, Gordon Comstock, constantly refers to the book he plans to write called 'The Hereditary Income Poll,' in which he denounces the class system. Orwell's use of 'poll' as a metaphor for societal divisions and inequalities further popularized the term.

1936

Introduction of Public Opinion Polls in the United States

Coinciding with the literary mention of 'poll' in Orwell's novel, Gallup, a renowned American statistician, introduced scientific public opinion polling in the same year. This innovative methodology used random sampling techniques to provide accurate insights into public sentiment. Gallup's methodology quickly gained prominence and was widely adopted in political campaigns, media, and market research.

1843

First Known Usage in the United States

The term 'polls' was documented being used in relation to American elections in 1843. It was mentioned in an Illinois newspaper, referring to the act of voting in a local district. From that point forward, 'polls' firmly entrenched itself in American political lexicon and became synonymous with elections.

1920

Women's Suffrage and the Polls

The early 20th century marked a significant milestone in terms of political participation. The women's suffrage movement achieved widespread success, leading to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in the United States in 1920. This granted women the right to vote, resulting in a significant increase in the number of eligible voters. The inclusion of women at the polls transformed the electoral landscape.

1967

The Emergence of Exit Polls

In 1967, CBS News introduced the first-ever exit poll during the mayoral election in Miami, Florida. Exit polls involved interviewing voters immediately after they cast their votes to understand the reasons behind their choices. The advent of exit polls revolutionized election reporting and provided real-time insights into voting patterns and demographic trends during elections.

Did you know?

Did you know that National Polls Day was inspired by a heated debate between two friends over the best superhero? They couldn't come to an agreement, so they decided to settle the matter with an online poll. And boom! A national day was born!