Flush Polling
Also known as Cess Polling. It's a form of non-traditional presidential polling that was started in Emmetsburg, Iowa in 1980. Voters were asked to indicate which candidate they preferred by flushing their toilet at the appropriate time. The local water plant then measured how far the water level dropped in the city water tower to calculate how many toilets had been flushed.
The tradition of flush polling continued throughout the 1990s, though I can't find any sign that it was used in recent elections.
The tradition of flush polling continued throughout the 1990s, though I can't find any sign that it was used in recent elections.
Des Moines Register - Nov 4, 1980
Comments
Is this not backward. It would have a more symbolic meaning to flush away whomever you will be voting against.
Posted by BMN on 08/20/18 at 09:08 AM
This type show of hands is probably down the drain for good. Many would see wasting water as not funny. Unfortunate, since it gives us a way to comment on the candidates in general.
Posted by Virtual on 08/20/18 at 09:52 AM
I seem to vaguely remember some radio station (in Denver?) trying something like that and told to not do it again because it put a strain on the city's waste treatment plant. Not as bad as a commercial during the Superbowl, but more trouble than it was worth for a publicity gag.
Posted by Phideaux on 08/20/18 at 02:22 PM
The results are probably more legitimate than the skewed questions that polls use to make their point.
Posted by KDP on 08/21/18 at 12:57 AM
...no. It's too easy. I will not. You cannot tempt me.
Posted by Richard Bos on 08/24/18 at 02:23 PM
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Category: Politics