Poll question
Ask one neutral question.
Describe the choice without favoring an answer. Put necessary context above the question.
- Name the decision plainly.
- Avoid loaded or double questions.
- Label the outcome advisory or decisive.
Free straw poll builder
Free AI Straw Poll Generator
Describe one question and the choices people should vote on. Makeform turns it into a quick straw poll you can edit, publish, and share by link for an informal read of the room.
- Unlimited free forms and responses
- Editable before sharing
- One-click answer choices
- Shareable public link
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Used by tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity & ClaudeSend poll responses to Slack, Google Sheets, and Zapier.
Sample prompts for the builder
Choose a starting point, edit it, or send the prompt into the Makeform builder. Each structure is an example, not a live result.
Prompt ready4 formats
Audience
Coworkers choosing a lunch option
Format
Single-choice poll with a deadline
Prompt size
243 chars
Brief qualitySends to builder
Example poll structure
Single-choice poll with a deadline
Prompt exampleEditable in builder
Your name
Short answerFirst ask
2
Where should we order lunch?
Multiple choice
3
Dietary needs we should consider
Long answer
Suggested routing tags
Leading choice
Needs discussion
Poll closed
Keep the main question neutral and make answer choices mutually clear; a fast vote is only useful when everyone interprets the options the same way.
Step 1
Ask
one neutral question
Step 2
List
clear, distinct choices
Step 3
Share
one link and a deadline
Step 4
Read
votes, comments, and next step
A faster read of the room
Turn a group question into something people can answer now.
Give people a short list of choices and collect enough signal to guide the next discussion.
One-tap voting
Use radio buttons for one preference or checkboxes when several options may work.
Choices people can scan
List comparable choices and add Other only when new suggestions will be useful.
Responses in one place
Collect submissions in Makeform and send rows to Google Sheets for tallying or filtering.
Useful for everyday decisions
Four moments when a straw poll fits.
Use it when the decision is informal, the options are already known, and a quick preference check is more helpful than a long questionnaire.
Team choices
Pick lunch, a social activity, a meeting format, or the next internal workshop topic without a reply-all thread.
Scheduling checks
Let participants mark one preferred slot or every available slot, then compare the responses in one list.
Community input
Ask members which agenda item, volunteer project, or event idea should receive attention first.
Shortlist reactions
Test names, themes, concepts, or feature ideas with a defined group before investing in detailed research.
From question to shareable link
Build a straw poll in four focused steps.
Start with the decision to inform, then edit the wording, choices, and fields before anyone votes.
01
Describe the decision
Provide the question, audience, choices, and number of selections allowed.
02
Edit for clarity
Remove overlapping options, choose identity fields, and add a deadline.
03
Publish and share
Publish the poll and send its public link through your usual channel.
04
Review the signal
Compare answer counts, read comments, and explain the next step.
Choose the right level of research
Straw poll, survey, or group chat?
The best format depends on whether you need a quick directional vote, detailed feedback, or an open-ended conversation.
Approach
What it captures
Best use
ApproachGroup chat or email thread
What it capturesFree-form replies mixed with side conversations
Best useDiscussing an idea when the reasoning matters more than a count
ApproachDetailed survey
What it capturesSeveral questions, ratings, segments, and written feedback
Best useResearch that needs explanation, comparison, or demographic context
Approach
Shareable straw poll
What it capturesOne focused question with structured answer choices
Best useGetting an informal preference quickly from a known audience
Field guide
What a useful straw poll should include.
These six parts keep voting quick and make the result easier to interpret.
Answer choices
Make every option distinct.
Keep choices at the same level: all times, themes, or ideas. Avoid overlaps.
- Use short, parallel labels.
- Include Other when ideas are welcome.
- Randomize if order could influence voting.
Selection rule
Say how many choices are allowed.
Use single choice for a preference and checkboxes when several answers are meaningful.
- Radio buttons for one answer.
- Checkboxes for acceptable answers.
- Require a choice when blanks lack value.
Voter identity
Collect only the identity you need.
Names help with follow-up. Anonymous voting fits when attribution adds no value.
- Use identity for follow-up.
- Omit it for an anonymous pulse.
- Name who reviews submissions.
Timing and sharing
Give the link a clear deadline.
Share one published link and put the closing time in the message.
- Use the group's usual channel.
- Give date, time, and time zone.
- Remind without changing options.
Result handling
Plan what happens after voting.
Decide who reviews submissions, handles ties, and shares the result.
- Name the response owner.
- Set a tie rule.
- Update participants afterward.
Related tools
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Start with another live Makeform tool when your question needs a general poll, a structured survey, or a quiz experience instead.
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Open toolFAQ
Straw poll questions
Practical answers for anyone creating a quick informal vote and sharing it by link.
What is a straw poll?
A straw poll is a quick, informal vote about a group's current preference. It usually asks one focused question with a short list of choices. Its result can guide a conversation, but should not be presented as representative research.
How do I create a good straw poll question?
Ask one neutral question that matches the decision. Use short, non-overlapping choices and say whether voters may select one or several. Put necessary context above the question.
Can I share the straw poll with a link?
Yes. Publish the form and copy its public link into email, chat, a newsletter, or a community post. Include the deadline and explain how the result will be used.
Should a straw poll be anonymous?
It depends on the purpose. Anonymous voting helps when names add no value or could discourage answers. Collect a name or email when you need follow-up or participation checks.
Can voters choose more than one answer?
Yes. Use checkboxes when several options are acceptable, such as available meeting times. Use radio buttons for one favorite or first choice. Specify the rule in your prompt.
How should I handle ties or an Other response?
Choose the rule before sharing. Hold a runoff, let the decision owner break the tie, or discuss both choices. Pair Other with a text field so voters can name their alternative.
Is this straw poll generator free?
Yes. Makeform offers unlimited free forms and responses, so you can generate, edit, publish, and share your straw poll without a response cap. The paid tier removes the Makeform badge.
What is the difference between a straw poll and a survey?
A straw poll is a narrow preference check, usually one question. A survey can cover several topics, ratings, explanations, and groups. Use a survey when reasons and context matter as much as the leading answer.
Get the group out of the reply thread.
Generate a straw poll and share one clear place to vote.
Unlimited free forms and responsesEditable answer choicesShareable poll link