Psephology

[Brazilian dude]

Psephology is an obsolescent term for the statistical study of elections. Psephology uses compilations of precinct voting returns for elections going back some years, public opinion polls, campaign finance information and similar statistical data. The term was coined (from the Greek psephos, 'pebble', which the Greeks used as ballots) in the United Kingdom in 1952 by historian R. B. McCallum to describe the scientific analysis of past elections. The term is occasionally used by political scientists and historians in the UK, and rarely in the United States or Canada, except for one usage. Political journalists ridicule people who try to scientifically predict future elections by calling it psephology, suggesting it is akin to astrology. Thus journalist David S. Broder has explained, "The science of interpreting elections has a fancy name: psephology. A shorter, simpler and more accurate title for much election analysis is: fiction." David S. Broder; Psephology Finds Only Voter Indifference; Austin American Statesman (Texas); Sep 16, 1989.

Brazilian dude

[Maximillian]

What a great word. Thanks BD.

[Grogie]

Indeed an interesting word BD. Thank you.

[Slava]

I just came across this word in an etymological dictionary and thought I'd suggest it. BD beat me to it.

However, this being an election year, perhaps it would be a good one to use in late October, early November?

[LukeJavan8]

Which is suggestive of listening to the pollsters and
media on any network on election night:

suggesting it is akin to astrology.

[Slava]

I've now seen this word at least 3 times since finding it. Here's the latest one, from the WaPo:

George F. Will