Poll on Fishing Ban Snags Critics
The Indy's first-ever attempt at an online poll this past week on the hot topic of a proposed fishing ban in Laguna Beach generated its own controversy over the poll's validity.
Several readers contended the poll question itself was biased. Others questioned the functionality of the online ballot, saying votes weren't being counted because the tally did not change immediately. The online ballot box would also only accept one vote per household, partly disenfranchising multi-person households.
Arthur Bond, a manager at Our-Hometown, which hosts the Indy website, said the online poll accepts a single vote per Internet protocol address. "If we're going to prevent ballot stuffing, that's the only way to do it," he said. He couldn't address why a vote cast would not immediately register unless a person was trying to vote twice. Nevertheless, the tally continued to climb throughout the week.
Because the Internet is an open network, it's safe to say votes can be cast by anyone. Apparently both fishing interests and conservationists posted the Indy poll link on their social networks.
The poll asked Indy readers to cast their own vote over whether Laguna Beach should impose notake fishing restrictions across the local coastline.
The intent was to take a reading of public opinion on the non-binding measure passed 4-1 by the City Council on June 16 to endorse the establishment of a marine reserve, which would prohibit fishing under the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). Clearly, it wasn't a scientific poll. Like any vote, it only reflects the opinion of those who cast votes, so its validity is open to question. The public was more divided than the council. Over seven days, 1,039 people had voted with 64 percent against the proposal to impose a no-take zone, and 36 percent in favor.
A few people took the opportunity to add comments about the poll.
Two people felt the question posed was biased.
"Votes are not being tallied. Vote count doesn't change after we vote. Two others besides me noticed this," said resident Anne Johnson.
"This is why the rest of Southern California calls us Lagunatics. We don't own the Pacific Ocean!" said Jim Kiech, also a resident.
