The Story

When voters turn on their TVs or open a newspaper during the federal election campaign of 1984, they're likely to encounter the results of yet another poll. Public opinion research firms aim for accuracy when they publish the results of telephone surveys gauging the popularity of the three federal parties and their leaders. But less certain is the effect these polls have on voting patterns. Barbara Frum, host of CBC's The Journal, talks to a panel of four about the influence of polls and whether they should be banned.