VIDEO: New Political Polling Technique Means New Targeted Demographic

By: Salena Schaffer

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)-

Times and technology are changing and so is the way political polling is handled…

“Generations ago, decades ago, even just a few years ago polling was essentially, you would call a landline, random digit dialing methods where numbers would be generated on a random basis and people would get phone calls based on that.” said Breen.

Nowadays it’s as easy as clicking your computer mouse.

Dallas Breen is the executive director of the Stennis Institute at Mississippi State…

He says this updated technique has changed the demographic being targeted from older to younger voters.

“It makes polling completely different endeavor when trying to get different peoples opinions.” said Breed.

Breen also believes candidates are using this evolving social media to their advantage and targeting millenials specifically.

“But I think a lot of the candidates are using that tool to get in touch with the younger voter.. so you’re getting more active more vocal younger participation in presidential election, state and hopefully local.” said Breed.

Students at Mississippi State seem to agree that though they have easy and instant access to these polls doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll respond…

“That doesn’t always mean that the younger generations will take part in it just because it’s at their finger tips but it’s up to them I guess.” said Mississippi State student Katie Davis.

“No I’d say it’s a good thing because you know I think the younger people should really look into that type of stuff.” said Edwin Gray.

“It’s definitely like more available to younger people now like because nobody really has landlines so now everybody’s getting it and you like get a feel for your own opinion versus your what parent’s believe.” said Kelsey Tutor.

“Well the younger generations have to be able to get out there and vote because they have a voice as well as the adults… so it’s great that the younger kids get to go out there and share their opinions too.” said Blake Williams.

Breen says unfortunately this change has made it difficult for older generations, who may not be part of social media, to have their voice heard…

“That selection though of getting that demographic is getting tougher and tougher.” said Breen.