What is a benchmark poll?

A benchmark poll is a type of opinion poll conducted at the beginning of a political campaign to gauge the level of support for candidates, measure public opinion on key issues, and identify the demographic breakdown of voters. This poll serves as a baseline measurement that can be compared to future polls to track changes in support over the course of the campaign.

Benchmark polls are typically conducted using a random sample of likely voters to ensure that the results are representative of the population. The poll asks questions about political preferences, candidate favorability, and key policy issues to provide insight into the mood of the electorate.

The data collected from a benchmark poll can help candidates shape their messaging, target key voter demographics, and allocate resources effectively throughout the campaign. By comparing the results of benchmark polls to subsequent polls, candidates can track the success of their campaign strategies and make adjustments as needed.

Overall, benchmark polls play a crucial role in informing political campaigns and shaping the electoral strategy of candidates running for office.