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In reply to the discussion: The LGBT community used to be thought by many [View all]PotatoChip
(3,186 posts)Over-representation in the polling of upper middle class and/or financially comfortable, college educated, middle class, women. Among this demographic of women, including some senior citizens, this is the demographic most consistently polled regarding political candidates and issues. And not by just a little bit...
Most polling firms are supplied with databases of demographic groups (in this case, women) who are the most likely to vote. If you've ever been polled by a reputable polling firm, you will likely remember getting the standard disclaimer, along with the words, "We are contacting likely voters for the upcoming xyz election". As someone having been contacted, you are probably in the 'likely voter' category already; but firms will often even confirm it by asking if you have voted in various past elections.
The point here is that these databases are disproportionately made up of consistent voters, (unless driven otherwise, which is rare). Therefore, financially insecure middle class, lower middle class, and poor women of all races who are sporadic* voters at best, rarely end up as part of the polling sample.
But these financially insecure, mostly unaccounted for potential voters, including huge numbers of millennials-- many of whom are not even 'on the books', make up a very high number of Bernie Sanders' base supporters. While disproportionately unaccounted for in the polls, huge numbers will indeed vote, if boosted with a little help (ie rides to the polls, help with registrations, etc). Heck, if their enthusiasm continues on this way, they may not only take on their own initiative, but help others too.
*http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/01/why-are-the-poor-and-minorities-less-likely-to-vote/282896/