AIBU to think that exit polls are inherently problematic

[FelicityBeedle]

In a time where the vast majority acknowledge we need to do everything we can to encourage people to vote, are exit polls not a major issue?
They must discourage people from voting, by making them believe their vote will be wasted or useless prematurely. If someone isn’t sure if they want to vote at all, surely being told that the other party had won will stop them voting at all

I don't think the results of exit polls are released until 10pm on election day for that reason. Do you mean opinion polls in general?

Interesting point - I’d never thought of that.
I know that pre election polls frequently predict results wrongly but I don’t know about exit polls - have they been wrong in the past?

Yes they are, I’ve been an idiot. I do mean opinion polls, sorry.
I’m going to get slated aren’t I?

I thought you probably meant opinion polls but wasn't sure! It's an interesting question isn't it. I am sure there is research showing we often change our opinion of things based on what others are doing. It would be fascinating to see what an election would be like nowadays if the electorate had no clue how others were voting. On the other hand I wish there was a very local poll in our area as national ones don't help with my tactical voting!

I’m excited to vote for the first time this year, first time I’m in an area where it will make a difference. There definitely is a crowd mentality with politics, people can be very sheeplike

I actually think opinion polls are there to influence behaviour as opposed to reporting or predicting what’s actually happening and that’s why I don’t pay them any notice.

If you think about it, what’s the point of them? If you already know who you want to vote for, do you need to know who everyone else is apparently voting for? The only poll which should matter is the actually polling day poll. They opinion poll is clearly there to influence the outcome which is why they are paid so much and are owned by major companies such as Blackrock and Standard Chartered. What’s in for them to own them other than to influence the outcome?

If anything I would say they make more likely to vote, if I don't like who is predicted to win.