Can you solve the fantasy election riddle? | Dennis E. Shasha

In a land transitioning to democracy, a polling agency must predict the election outcome between a troll and a tree statesman. Due to voter bias, a coin is used to introduce randomness in polling, allowing troll supporters to deny their preference. A new candidate, a dragon, complicates the election, requiring a more advanced polling method using double coin flips. This technique helps reveal true voter preferences, ensuring accurate predictions.

What was the main challenge faced by the polling agency in predicting the election outcome?

• Inaccurate voter lists

• Technical issues with polling equipment

• Voters' reluctance to admit support for the troll

• Lack of voter turnout

How does the coin help in conducting an accurate poll?

• It ensures all voters are honest

• It introduces randomness to allow deniability

• It eliminates biased responses

• It records the actual vote of each person

What event caused a disruption in the election process?

• A natural disaster

• A third-party candidate burning the tree fellow

• A protest by the citizens

• A recount of votes

What is the purpose of flipping the coin twice in the new polling method?

• To reduce the polling time

• To increase the sample size

• To ensure the coin is fair

• To disguise both candidates' preferences

What is the probability of getting two heads or two tails in a row when flipping the coin twice?

• 75%

• 50%

• 25%

• 10%

How does the new polling method help in revealing the true preference of voters?

• By using a digital voting system

• By eliminating undecided voters

• By allowing voters to express their true preference in certain cases

• By forcing voters to choose a candidate

What was the final outcome of the election according to the new polling method?

• The tree statesman won

• The dragon candidate won

• The troll won

• The election was declared invalid