To folks like me who actually conduct and seriously analyze public opinion polls, online surveys are a running joke. But apparently some people care about them. Enough to cheat.

KHON is asking readers to answer pick which candidate’s transit plan they favor. The options are “Carlisle: Rail and other transportation options,” “Caldwell: Build Rail with flexibility,” “Cayetano: No Rail, BRT instead” and “None of the Above.”

Whoever runs the Cayetano for Mayor Facebook page just gave his supporters instructions on how to rig the survey and encouragement to do just that:

We need your HELP! A few hours after the poll was created, the numbers were: CAYETANO-50% , Carlisle-25% , Caldwell 25%. The other teams have organized their efforts. Clear your ‘cookies’ from your internet settings and vote a few times. We know the other side is doing just that! YOU KNOW Ben Cayetano’s plan is superior to their rail plan. Let’s GET OUT THE VOTE!

As of this moment on the KHON website, 53 percent back Peter Carlisle‘s plan, 37 percent Kirk Caldwell‘s plan and 9 percent Cayetano’s plan.