Help & Support

GEO:POLLr is a simple idea: vote on a question, then see the results on a map to spot patterns.

• Poll = a question with up to 8 answers.
• Vote = choose one answer (your choice is recorded once per poll).
• Map = shows where votes came from (using the location type the poll is set to use).
• Colours = each answer has its own colour so patterns are instantly readable.

If you’re reading this without tea in hand, you’re already braver than most of us.

Voting is designed to be quick: pick one option and submit. Once you’ve voted:

• You’ll see the overall totals in the results chart.
• You’ll see the map update to include your vote (subject to any moderation / status rules on that poll).
• The poll is marked as Answered for you on browse/dashboard lists.

Can I change my vote?

Some polls may allow vote changes, some may not — it depends on how the poll is configured.

• If changing is allowed, you can submit a different option later and your previous vote is replaced.
• If changing is not allowed, you’ll see your saved answer but won’t be able to re-submit.

Why do I sometimes not see my marker exactly?

Depending on the map display mode and clustering level, your vote may be represented inside a cluster until you zoom in. (It’s not hiding — it’s just being tidy.)

Creating a good poll is mostly about clarity. The easier it is to answer, the better the map looks.

Step-by-step

1. Go to Create Poll.
2. Write a clear question (aim for one sentence).
3. Add 2–8 answer options (short is good).
4. Pick a location scope (origin vs current).
5. Choose unique colours for each option (helps map readability).
6. Save, preview, and tweak wording if needed.

Writing tips that make your poll “work”

• Make answers mutually exclusive. If two options overlap, results get muddy.
• Avoid double questions. “X and Y?” confuses voting.
• Keep options parallel. If one is “Yes” and another is “Sometimes, when…”, the map becomes philosophy.
• Include “Other / Not sure” if your topic is likely to leave people out.

Each poll uses one location type to place votes on the map. This is chosen by the poll creator.

What if I move house?

You can update your saved locations in your account settings. New votes will use the updated location (for whichever scope the poll uses).

If you’re currently in Skegness but spiritually in Tuscany, origin scope might be for you.

Each poll option has a colour. That colour is used consistently across:

• Map markers
• Clusters (composition/pie)
• Chart bars / legend

Why colours must be unique

If two options share a colour, the map becomes impossible to read (like a weather map drawn with highlighters in the dark).

Choosing good colours

• Avoid picking two very similar shades next to each other (e.g. two blues).
• For “Yes/No” polls, it’s common to use contrasting colours.
• If an option is “Other / Not sure”, a neutral colour often makes sense.

Maps can get busy fast, so GEO:POLLr uses a few tricks to keep things readable.

Markers

• Each vote appears as a marker in the option’s colour.
• Zoom in to separate markers when lots of votes are close together.

Clusters

• When lots of markers overlap, they group into a cluster.
• “Pie” style clusters show the mix of answers inside that area.
• Zooming in “breaks apart” clusters into smaller groups and individual markers.

Heatmap mode

• Heatmaps are great for seeing density (where activity is), not the exact mix.
• Use it when you want to answer: “Where are most votes coming from?”

The chart tells you how many. The map tells you where. The magic is using both.

Typical patterns you’ll spot

• Regional splits: one option dominates in certain areas.
• Urban vs rural: clusters near cities show a different mix.
• Outliers: pockets of a minority view (often interesting!).

Why the map and totals might “feel” different

• If one region has lots of votes, the map may look dominated even if totals are closer.
• Clustering can visually compress a lot of votes into a small area until you zoom in.

Pins are GEO:POLLr's little reward tokens for participation. Think “good citizen points”, but with fewer speeches.

What earns Pins?

• Voting on polls
• Creating polls (especially ones that get approved and answered)
• Other contribution actions (site-dependent)

Why have Pins at all?

• They encourage people to vote (more votes = better maps).
• They recognise poll creators who make good questions.

Full breakdown (if enabled on your site).

Email verification

Some accounts require email verification before they can vote or create polls. This helps prevent spam and keeps results cleaner.

Passwords

• Use a unique password (re-using old ones is how villains win).
• If you think your account is compromised, change your password immediately.

Google sign-in

If Google sign-in is enabled, it can be used as a quick way to authenticate. You still control your GEO:POLLr account settings and locations.

GEO:POLLr needs a little data to work — mainly so it can place votes on the map and prevent duplicate voting.

What is stored (typical)

• Account details: email + username (and any optional profile fields you’ve provided).
• Your saved locations: origin and/or current (used depending on poll settings).
• Your votes: which option you picked for each poll you answered.
• Basic technical logs: for security and debugging (site-dependent).

How precise is the map location?

GEO:POLLr is about patterns, not pinpointing your sofa. Maps may display votes at an area/town level depending on how your site is configured.

Can I delete my account/data?

If account deletion tools are available on your profile page, you can request deletion there. Otherwise, contact the site admin via the contact page (if enabled).

Depending on site settings, new polls may require approval before appearing publicly.

Common reasons a poll is rejected

• Hate/harassment, threats, or personal attacks
• Sharing personal information (doxxing)
• Spam, advertising, or “vote bait”
• Confusing wording or duplicate options
• Low quality: unclear question, inside jokes only 2 people understand, etc.

If your poll is rejected

• You may receive a message explaining why (if messaging is enabled).
• Edit the wording/options and resubmit if allowed.

“The map is blank / I can’t see votes”

• Zoom out — votes may be clustered.
• Try switching map mode (markers vs heatmap) if available.
• Hard refresh: Ctrl + F5 (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + R (Mac).

“I can’t vote”

• You may need to log in.
• Your email might need verifying.
• The poll may be closed or awaiting approval (site-dependent).

“The page looks broken”

• Try a different browser tab or device.
• Disable browser extensions for the site (ad blockers can sometimes break scripts).
• Clear site data for GEO:POLLr and sign in again.

If you can’t find what you need on this page, you’ve got options:

• Use the filter box at the top to search this help page.
• Check your account messages (if enabled) for moderation notes or notices.
• Use the site’s contact page (if enabled).

We’ll do our best. No promises on psychic debugging though.