The term refers to surveys conducted with voters immediately after they have exited the polling stations. These polls are designed to gauge voter sentiments, preferences, and demographics related to a particular election. For example, an organization might station interviewers outside a voting location, asking a random sample of individuals who have just voted who they voted for and their opinions on key issues.
These surveys are valuable tools for media outlets, political analysts, and campaigns, offering early insights into election outcomes and voter behavior. They provide indications of trends, shifts in support, and the reasons behind voters’ decisions, often before official results are announced. Historically, these polls have been used to project winners, analyze voting patterns among different demographic groups, and assess the effectiveness of campaign strategies.