The story: Rumors abound in Iran that the authorities have suppressed the publication of polls on anticipated voter turnout ahead of key elections. With less than three weeks to go until votes for the Assembly of Experts and the parliament, no polling agency has published survey results.

At the same time, government officials and conservative outlets have cited anonymous polls as indicating that there is a growing desire among the public to cast ballots. However, critics suggest that the publication of survey results has been banned because it would show continued low turnout.

The focus on whether Iranians will cast ballots is directly connected to the legitimacy of the state, particularly as Iran is in the...