POLYAS Election Glossary

We provide explanations and background information on elections, voting rights and digital democracy

Online Poll

An online poll allows a fast decision-making process in institutions and organisations.

The difference to traditional polling via paper or in person is that a digital poll can easily be established online, which saves time and paper. An online tool can be used for quick results and voters can cast their vote easily from anywhere in the world.

The online polling process

The process is similar to conducting traditional polls. Voters are asked to approve or deny a proposal, which is brought forward by an organisation. Usually the voters can also abstain their vote. A certain number of voters have to approve the proposal. This means either by a simple majority (over a half of the votes cast) or by a relative majority (the proposal/suggestion which receives most "yes" votes).

See also: Poll, Referendum


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