Issue No. 102January 2021
How to Create a Poll in Microsoft Outlook
You can create an instant, real time poll in seconds within an email message. In the body of your Outlook email, add questions and options for single or multiple answers. Once you send the message, recipients vote directly in email or click on a handy included link and vote in a browser window. You can then quickly check poll results in the voting card.
With what versions of Outlook can I create a poll?
Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2016 for Mac, Outlook on the web, Microsoft Forms, Outlook 2019 for Mac.
Create a Poll:
- In a new email message, go to the Insert tab and then click Poll. (Note: You can also find the poll on the Options tab > Use Voting Buttons > Poll.)
- The poll pane opens and is ready for you to type your first question and two options. (Note: If you’re already signed in with your work or school account and are prompted to sign in again, there may be a setting your admin needs to address to eliminate this extra sign in step for you. Contact your admin for more information.)
- To add additional options, click + Add option.
- When you’re done adding options, you can decide if you want responders to only select a single answer or multiple answers. If you want to allow multiple answers, toggle the Multiple answers button to the right so that it turns green.
- Click Add to email. You’ll see a link to your poll in the body of the email and your name pre-populated in the CC line. You’re now ready to send your poll in email!
How Voting Works:
Recipients will see the poll in the body of their email (also called an “actionable message”) or get a link in email that will direct them to vote in a browser.
Why can’t my recipients see the poll in their email message?
There are a few reasons why recipients may not see the poll in their email message and, instead, receive a link to the poll, which will direct them to vote in a browser.
- Your poll may be too lengthy (e.g. title is too long or there are too many options)
- You’re signed in with your Microsoft work or school account and sent your poll to people outside of your organization.
Check Your Poll Results:
You can see aggregated results in the voting card that is in the body of the email. Click Refresh to see the most updated results or click View in Forms to see detailed responses on forms.office.com. Similarly, you can click on the poll link in the body of the email to track more detailed results on forms.office.com.
Source: Microsoft
