Choose voting rules and interpret results
Method selection
| Method | What the voter does | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Single choice | Chooses one option | One active ballot does not mean unlimited extra votes |
| Multiple choice | Chooses several options | Set minimum/maximum choices consistent with the option count |
| Ranked choice | Ranks every option | Instant-runoff rounds can end in an unresolved elimination tie |
| Rating | Rates options using the chosen 2–10 scale | Option randomisation is ignored for this method |
Set these rules before publishing. In multiple choice, percentages are shares of ballots selecting each option and can add to more than 100%. Ranked result bars show first preferences; read the rounds to understand eliminations. An unresolved tie is not an arbitrary declared winner.
One vote or vote again
Each account has one active ballot per poll. Allowing revotes lets that voter replace the ballot; it does not accumulate additional ballots. Guests use a browser cookie, so clearing cookies or using another browser can evade guest duplicate deterrence. Use registered-only voting when stronger account accountability matters.
Topic polls also require the appropriate topic/category access and registered reply eligibility. A hidden/pending/locked topic does not become open merely because its poll URL was copied.