Polling is a method used to gather opinions or preferences from a group of people, often to understand public sentiment on various issues. It typically involves asking a sample of individuals a series of questions, which can be conducted through surveys, interviews, or online platforms. The results are then analyzed to draw conclusions about the larger population's views. Polls are commonly used in politics, especially during elections, to gauge support for candidates or policies. Organizations like Gallup and Pew Research Center conduct these surveys to provide insights into public opinion, helping inform decision-makers and the media about trends and voter behavior.