Computer-aided methods (making and using), along with a corresponding
machine, article of manufacture, and data structures, is provided for conducting
a poll with high reliability to produce a demographic profile corresponding to
an accumulation of response data from encrypted identities. The method includes:
for each one of a plurality of local computers, carrying out registration substeps
of: (i.) receiving an application for Participant registration, the application
including Participant identification data and Participant demographic data; and
(ii.) if the application is accepted, then issuing respective registration data,
including encrypted Participant identification data; thereafter, for a portion
of the local computers, carrying out polling substeps of: (iii.) receiving digital
signals over the Internet including the encrypted Participant identification data
and poll response data for a first question in a poll; and (iv.) responsive to
said receiving of said encrypted Participant identification data, preventing more
than one respective response to the first question; and associating the encrypted
Participant identification data, the response data, and the demographic data, respectively,
to produce a demographic profile corresponding to an accumulation of the response
data from encrypted identities.