Final answer:
The question focuses on exit polls used for gaining early election insights, which require careful voter and site selection to be accurate. Announcing exit poll results too early can influence voter turnout, with some agreements in place among media to avoid this issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question is about exit polls, which are surveys conducted by media organizations like CNN on Election Day. These polls involve interviewing voters as they leave the voting precincts to gain early insights into the likely outcomes of the election. However, the process of exit polling is complex and requires careful selection of polling sites and voters to ensure the polls are representative and random. It's important to note that some voters may refuse to participate or may not provide accurate responses, potentially skewing the results. Additionally, these polls only capture the preferences of those voting in person on Election Day, excluding absentee and early voters.
The potential issues surrounding exit polls also extend to the effect of their results on voter behavior. The announcement of exit poll results before polling closes can deter voters from casting their ballots if they believe the outcome is already decided. To mitigate this, there has been a gentleman's agreement among major networks to refrain from broadcasting these results until after polls close. Despite such efforts, some media outlets may not adhere to the agreement, which can lead to early and sometimes incorrect dissemination of poll data, impacting the election process.