Nate Silver — Seven Ways to Evaluate a Poll

1. How does the poll compare to other recent surveys of the state?

2. How does the poll compare to the polling firm’s previous surveys in the state?

3. How does the survey compare with the polling firm’s surveys in other states?

4. How does the poll compare with the national trend?

5. How does the poll compare with the historical trend in a state?

6. How does the poll relate to the electoral calendar 

7. How does the number of undecided voters compare with prior renditions of the survey?

The New York Times | Five Thirty Eight
Seven Ways to Evaluate a Poll

Nate Silver