There are all sorts of polls including tracking polls, push polls, straw polls, and exit polls.  How are these different types of polls used, and what should one look at to determine whether or not they are accurate?

1. Tracking Polls: These are continuous surveys that enable a campaign or news outlet to chart a candidate's daily rise or fall in support. They are used to monitor changes in public opinion over time. To determine their accuracy, one should look at the sample size, the sampling method, and the consistency of the results over time.

2. Push Polls: These are not actually polls. They are a form of negative campaigning disguised as a poll. They are used to spread misinformation or rumors about a candidate. Their accuracy is not relevant because they are not designed to measure public opinion, but to influence it.

3. Straw Polls: These are unofficial ballots conducted as a test of opinion. They are used by political organizations or news outlets to predict the outcome of an official vote. To determine their accuracy, one should look at the sample size, the sampling method, and whether the sample is representative of the population.

4. Exit Polls: These are polls conducted as people leave a polling place. They are used to predict the outcome of an election before the official count is available. To determine their accuracy, one should look at the sample size, the sampling method, and whether the sample is representative of the population.

In general, to determine the accuracy of a poll, one should look at the sample size (the larger the better), the sampling method (random is best), and whether the sample is representative of the population (it should be diverse and not biased). Also, the wording of the questions can affect the results, so it should be neutral and not leading. Finally, one should consider the margin of error, which indicates the range within which the true value lies.