• On November 4, 2008, Americans will elect their 44th President of the United States, along with members of the 111th U.S. Congress and other local officials. This page will track the results of "exit polls," responses taken from voters as they exit polling stations around the country, state-by-state, which should give an early idea about how states are going to swing. In the weeks leading up to the election, Democrat Barack Obama has led Republican John McCain in national polls by a margin of anywhere from 1 to 6 points.RealClearPolitics: Election 2008 Latest Polls

• 1. Media coverage on Election Night largely based on exit poll returns
  2. 2004 exit polls indicated a likely win for eventual loser John KerryWashingtonPost.com: Surveying the Damage (November 21, 2008)
  3. Also ask demographic information about voters
  4. Poll conducted before voting is called an "entrance poll"
  5. Record voter turnout is anticipated in 2008, perhaps totaling 130 millionThe New York Times: Early Voting and Exit Polls (October 29, 2008)
  6. Over 30 states now have some form of early voting
  7. TV networks began exit polling in the 1960s Time Magazine: A Brief History of Exit Polls (October 31, 2008)
  8. So-called "Bradley Effect" suggests that some exit polls may inaccurately hint at Obama victory Los Angeles Times: Rethinking the 'Bradley Effect' (October 29, 2008)
  9. NBC keeps its election analysts isolated from other media so that false declarations are avoidedChicago Tribune: Exit Polls 2008

• Major Party Candidates

  • Republican:
    • John McCain (President)
    • Sarah Palin (VP)

  • Democratic:
    • Barack Obama (President)
    • Joe Biden (VP)

• Third Party Candidates

  • Libertarian:
    • Bob Barr (President)
    • Wayne Allyn Root (VP)

  • Green:
    • Cynthia McKinney (President)
    • Rosa Clemente (VP)

  • Constitution:
    • Chuck Baldwin (President)
    • Darrell Castle (VP)

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