Election Forecasts Try to Go Beyond the Polls. Are They Helping?
Briefly

Nate Silver's model revolutionized election forecasting, earning him recognition in 2009. The rise of data-driven predictions has since popularized election forecasts, exemplified by many new models this cycle.
While traditional polling indicates public sentiment at a moment in time, forecasts analyze this data to predict likely outcomes, making extensive use of both current and historical information.
This year's forecasts suggested a very close race, with various models indicating statistical ties between candidates, reflecting uncertainty in a competitive electoral landscape and the potential for surprises.
Proponents of election forecasting believe they provide valuable insights by synthesizing complex information, emphasizing that more data enhances understanding, especially in closely contested elections.
Read at www.nytimes.com
[
|
]