The electoral vote maps today in 2008 and 2012

[hurricanehink]

The maps were largely accurate if you remove the shading. 08's map missed Nevada (which swung heavily toward the Democrats after the financial crisis) and North Carolina (which was decided by 14,000 votes), and Florida's tie swinging to Obama. 2012 was even better at this point, only missing Iowa (whose polling remained close until Election Day). Perhaps these early polls are worth more than the experts give them credit for.