States had different exit polls

[Owlet]

I was under the impression, fostered by the media, that the same exit poll questionnaire was in use in all 50 states and D.C. Not so. Edison Research developed different polls for different areas. For example, the poll for my state, Connecticut, has no question about "moral values" as a basis for voting decision. Some states have a block of questions similar to this:

http://www.edisonresearch.com/home/archives/2004/11/view_election_2.html

Which ONE issue mattered most in deciding how you voted for president? (Check only one)
John KERRY George BUSH Ralph NADER
Taxes
Education
Iraq
Terrorism
Economy/Jobs
Moral values
Health care

Which ONE candidate quality mattered most in deciding how you voted for president? (Check only one)
John KERRY George BUSH Ralph NADER
He cares about people like me
He has strong religious faith
He is honest and trustworthy
He is a strong leader
He is intelligent
He will bring about needed change
He has clear stands on the issues

....but others don't. If there is no consistency in the questions asked, then how can it be said that one issue was more important than another on a national basis? Does something smell here, or am I just not smart enough to figure this out?

[pschoeb]

1. I noticed that too, as I was looking state by state at results at CNN

It's not unusual for them to put a state specific question, but I don't know why they didn't ask this in every state, and how anyone can base anything on the moral values question if they did not.

When I was reviewing 2000 exit poll data, there were sometimes questions that weren't asked everywhere as well.

There do seem to be many questions that are asked from every State, but I found that not all States seemed to ask the detailed abortions rights questions, or the Gay marriage questions. Some States that had Gay Marriage referendum were asked how they voted on it, which makes sense, But I'm not sure why abortion and gay marriage questions appeared in some surveys but not in others.

[KittyWampus]

2. Also, If Exit Polls W/ Kerry Winning Were Wrong. Why Are Numbers On

the Issues correct?

Either the polls were wrong about EVERYTHING or CORRECT on EVERYTHING.