To the editor:
Re: "Deconstructing poll results with a pollster," July 10.
I have read many explanations by pollsters as to why they got the predictions for the last provincial election so wrong. Part of the reason may be that many people who do actually vote, do not participate in the polls. I recall at least three phone poll requests I received in the lead-up to the B.C. election. I didn't participate for basically two reasons: 1) I cannot be sure if the caller works for a party, and the last thing I want is to be on anyone's list as a supporter, since I would get calls for the rest of my natural life, and perhaps even beyond; 2) I am concerned that polls could actually lead public opinion, since if one is uncertain on how to vote, and hears how "everyone" else is voting, that could have a lemming effect, or even cause one to not vote at all, if one figures their vote is not needed, or wouldn't be effective. Bob McLeod, Vancouver
