Campaign Survey Yanked By KCOnline
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
KCOnline has removed a controversial campaign poll from its Internet site.
John Webster, President of KCOnline, removed the poll earlier this week, saying he believed it was being abused.
The poll allowed those surfing the website to cast votes in two hotly contested campaigns - Kosciusko County's Sheriff's race and the prosecutor's race.
Soon after the poll was established a few weeks ago, some candidates quietly complained that it could affect the outcome. Some suggested ballot stuffing by supporters of some candidates began quickly.
The sheriff's poll generated the most interest and collected more than 500 votes since it was first posted. KCOnline received two complaints about the poll. One of those complaints was by former Warsaw police officer Wally Knox, a candidate in the Sheriff race. Knox complained to KCOnline when he noticed a jump of 92 votes for one candidate in about one day.
According to Knox, the increase was higher in one day than what had accumulated all together.
"It doesn't take an Einstein to figure that one out," said Knox.
Webster said the purpose of the poll was to give people a public forum. He had no intention of trying to sway the public opinion.
Removal of the poll had been considered by Webster even before Knox complained. The website included a warning that if KCOnline found evidence of ballot stuffing the survey would be discontinued.
Knox said Friday he was pleased with the decision. "I thought that was wonderful," he said.
Although KCOnline put a disclaimer on the poll, Knox said, "They just see the poll and not the disclaimer. People don't read between the lines."
He said that if KCOnline intended on running a scientific poll, he would have no problem with it.
Webster said that they might sponsor more polls in the future if they "can assure that it's secure."
He said there was software available that would allow them to put up secure voting polls, but he was not planning on pursuing any new polls until after the election.
Lieutenant Steve Knispel, who is also running in the sheriff race, said the pulling of the poll didn't surprise him.
Knispel, who doesn't have access to the internet, added, "The only poll I'm concerned with is on May 5th." [[In-content Ad]]
KCOnline has removed a controversial campaign poll from its Internet site.
John Webster, President of KCOnline, removed the poll earlier this week, saying he believed it was being abused.
The poll allowed those surfing the website to cast votes in two hotly contested campaigns - Kosciusko County's Sheriff's race and the prosecutor's race.
Soon after the poll was established a few weeks ago, some candidates quietly complained that it could affect the outcome. Some suggested ballot stuffing by supporters of some candidates began quickly.
The sheriff's poll generated the most interest and collected more than 500 votes since it was first posted. KCOnline received two complaints about the poll. One of those complaints was by former Warsaw police officer Wally Knox, a candidate in the Sheriff race. Knox complained to KCOnline when he noticed a jump of 92 votes for one candidate in about one day.
According to Knox, the increase was higher in one day than what had accumulated all together.
"It doesn't take an Einstein to figure that one out," said Knox.
Webster said the purpose of the poll was to give people a public forum. He had no intention of trying to sway the public opinion.
Removal of the poll had been considered by Webster even before Knox complained. The website included a warning that if KCOnline found evidence of ballot stuffing the survey would be discontinued.
Knox said Friday he was pleased with the decision. "I thought that was wonderful," he said.
Although KCOnline put a disclaimer on the poll, Knox said, "They just see the poll and not the disclaimer. People don't read between the lines."
He said that if KCOnline intended on running a scientific poll, he would have no problem with it.
Webster said that they might sponsor more polls in the future if they "can assure that it's secure."
He said there was software available that would allow them to put up secure voting polls, but he was not planning on pursuing any new polls until after the election.
Lieutenant Steve Knispel, who is also running in the sheriff race, said the pulling of the poll didn't surprise him.
Knispel, who doesn't have access to the internet, added, "The only poll I'm concerned with is on May 5th." [[In-content Ad]]