Definition
An unofficial, non-binding vote taken to gauge opinion or support, often at party events. It's democracy's way of testing the waters before diving in, though predictive value is questionable.
Example Usage
The candidate won the state fair straw poll but dropped out before the actual primary after failing to raise money.
Origin
From the practice of throwing straw in the air to see which way the wind blows, used politically since at least the 1820s.
Fun Fact
The Ames Straw Poll in Iowa was a major early campaign event until 2016, despite winners like Michele Bachmann and Pat Robertson who went nowhere nationally.
Source: Electoral polling terminology
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See “straw poll” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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