Fake Political Polls Raise Questions About Media Credibility

Written by on October 23, 2026

Wedgewood Polling admitted that most of its political poll results were fabricated as part of an alleged experiment to expose weaknesses in the polling industry. 

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Major news outlets, including The New York Times and Newsweek, had cited its data before removing it. 

The fake polls may have hurt political campaigns, including Michigan Democrat Mallory McMorrow’s Senate bid, which she said suffered from lost donations and discouraged volunteers. 

The incident also prompted FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to warn broadcasters about airing fake polls.

An alleged national pollster says it faked its data as a ‘social experiment.’ Here’s what to know | PBS News


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