A nonbinding vote or poll is used to gauge public opinion on a particular issue or candidate. These informal surveys aim to provide a snapshot of prevailing sentiment within a specific group or population. For example, an organization might conduct one of these polls at a conference to assess member preferences regarding upcoming policy changes.
The significance of such a poll lies in its capacity to offer early insights into potential trends or preferences. While not scientifically rigorous and often subject to biases due to self-selection, these polls can inform decision-making processes and strategic planning. Historically, they have played a role in shaping political discourse and identifying emerging areas of public concern, though their predictive accuracy regarding election outcomes can be limited.