Political polls are significant in a democratic process as they gauge public opinion and reflect the sentiments of the electorate. They influence policy decisions and candidate strategies, allowing politicians to understand voter priorities. Accurate polls can enhance democratic representation, while misleading results can cause polarization. Polls also serve as a tool for accountability by highlighting discrepancies between public opinion and government actions. However, reliance on polls may sometimes undermine informed debate if they become the primary means of understanding complex political issues.