does it seem as if fewer polls are being done than in 2008?

[© tweed]

haven't done any scientific research on this but it sure seems like there is a dearth compared to the 2008 cycle.  recession-related perhaps?  because there is only one open race?  or just a figment of my perception?

[Eraserhead]

I believe you're right and I think it's mostly because there is only one open race.

[Mr. Morden]

There were absolutely more polls last time.  One thing to note, though, is that in 2008, many of the state-by-state polls were by fake or terrible pollsters.  Look at the list of polls for the 2008 Iowa caucus:

https://uselectionatlas.org/POLLS/PRESIDENT/2008R/polls.php?fips=19

Quite a few of those are from Research 2000 (fake), Strategic Vision (fake), ARG (terrible), or Zogby (terrible).  Are we really missing anything from not having those polls?

[The Vorlon]

Zogby (terrible).  Are we really missing anything from not having those polls?

Slight correction... Zogby is both Fake AND terrible, not just terrible....  But other than that, yup, bang on...  we're not missing anything of value...