Trained interviewers called households whose telephone numbers were randomly selected by a computer. Then, one adult in each household was selected randomly to be interviewed for the poll. The results have been weighted to properly balance the sample by age, sex and areas of the state. The poll's margin of error is 3.5 percentage points. This means, in theory, in 19 out of 20 cases the poll results will differ by no more than 3.5 points above or below the results that would have been obtained by questioning all Kentucky adults who have telephones.
Percentages based on subsamples are subject to a higher potential margin of error.
In addition to these sampling errors, the practical difficulties of conducting any survey can also influence the results. Republishing or broadcasting the poll's results without credit to the Courier-Journal and Louisville Times Co. is prohibited. Apparently unhappy with litter and illegal trash dumps, a solid majority of Kentucky residents favor legislation that would require beverage container deposits and mandatory household garbage pickup. Flatt was among those surveyed in the poll who agreed to a follow-up interview. It's one of the most hotly contested issues of this legislative session.