# Poll

> Make a /poll command that posts a real Discord poll, or a quick vote with buttons.

You will make `/poll`. Members run it with a question and some answers. The bot posts a poll that everyone can vote on.

There are two ways to do it:

| Way | Best for |
|---|---|
| **Discord poll** | Most polls. Discord counts the votes and shows the result bar. Lasts from 1 hour to 32 days. |
| **Button vote** | A quick yes/no vote that ends after a few minutes. |

## Discord poll

### 1. Create the command

Open **Create → Slash Command** and switch to **Advanced** at the top of the form.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Command Name | `poll` |
| Description | `Start a poll` |

Under **Behavior**, turn on **Only the user sees the reply**. The poll itself is public. Only the "Poll posted" note is private.

### 2. Add the arguments

Under **Arguments**, add three:

| Type | Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | `question` | Yes | What to ask |
| Text | `answers` | Yes | Answers, split by commas |
| Integer | `hours` | No | How long it stays open |

### 3. Add the code

Open **Pre-hook** and paste:

```python
choices = [a.strip() for a in answers.split(",") if a.strip()]
if len(choices) < 2:
    set_error("Give at least two answers, split by commas.")

await create_poll(question, choices, duration=hours or 24)
set_content("Poll posted!")
```

Leave the **Content / Reply Message** box empty. `set_content` writes the reply.

### 4. Try it

Save, then run:

```text
/poll question: Pizza or burgers? answers: Pizza, Burgers, Both
```

> **Discord's poll limits:** - Up to **10** answers. Extra answers are dropped.
> - Each answer can be up to **55** characters. The question can be up to **300**.
> - `duration` is in **hours**, from 1 to 768 (32 days). The default is 24.

### Let members pick more than one

Add `multiselect=True`:

```python
await create_poll(question, choices, duration=hours or 24, multiselect=True)
```

### Post it in another channel

Add `channel=`. It takes a channel, its ID or its name:

```python
await create_poll(question, choices, channel="announcements")
```

## Button vote

This version puts **Yes** and **No** buttons on the reply. Each button shows its count. A member can change their vote. Each member counts once.

Make a new slash command named `vote` with one **Text** argument named `question`. Leave **Only the user sees the reply** off, so everyone can see the buttons.

### Pre-hook

```python
class Vote(View):
    def __init__(self):
        self.votes = {}

    async def cast(self, interaction, choice):
        await defer(interaction, action="update")
        self.votes[str(interaction.user.id)] = choice
        yes = len([v for v in self.votes.values() if v == "yes"])
        no = len(self.votes) - yes
        self.update_component("yes", label=f"Yes ({yes})")
        self.update_component("no", label=f"No ({no})")
        # Edit through the newest click, so the edit never expires.
        self.interaction = interaction
        await self.update_view()

    @button(label="Yes (0)", style="success", custom_id="yes")
    async def yes(self, interaction, component):
        await self.cast(interaction, "yes")

    @button(label="No (0)", style="danger", custom_id="no")
    async def no(self, interaction, component):
        await self.cast(interaction, "no")

view = Vote()
view.interaction = interaction
set_view(view)
set_content(f"**{question}**\nClick to vote.")
```

### Post-hook

The post-hook runs when the vote ends. Voting ends after **3 minutes with no new votes**. Each new vote starts the 3 minutes again.

```python
yes = len([v for v in view.votes.values() if v == "yes"])
no = len(view.votes) - yes
await respond_interaction(
    view.interaction,
    content=f"**{question}**\nVoting closed. Yes: {yes} · No: {no}",
)
```

`respond_interaction` changes the text and removes the buttons.

> **Tip:** Need a vote that stays open for hours or days? Use the Discord poll above. Buttons on a command reply are for short votes.

## Learn more

- [Buttons and menus](https://ccbot.app/docs/concepts/buttons-and-menus) explains how a View works.
- [Server events and polls](https://ccbot.app/docs/reference/server-events-and-polls) lists every argument of `create_poll`.
- [Views](https://ccbot.app/docs/reference/views) lists `update_component`, `update_view` and the other View tools.