> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pawtograder.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Polls

> Answer in-class polls to participate in discussions and check your understanding during lectures

# Polls

Polls are a quick and easy way to answer questions during class. Your instructor may use polls to check understanding, gather feedback, or spark discussion.

## Answering Polls

There are two ways to respond to a poll:

### Via QR Code or Link

Your instructor may display a QR code or share a link during class:

1. **Scan the QR code** with your phone camera, or **click the link** provided by your instructor
2. The poll question and answer options will appear
3. Select your answer(s) from the options displayed
4. Click **Submit** to send your response

If the poll does not require login, you can respond immediately without signing in.

### Via the Polls Page

You can also access polls directly from Pawtograder:

1. Navigate to your course in Pawtograder
2. Go to the **Polls** section in the navigation
3. Live polls from your class will be displayed
4. Click **Answer Poll** to open the poll
5. Select your answer(s) and submit

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/pawtograder/eznAm-ROkrCfKeMP/images/students/student-polling.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=eznAm-ROkrCfKeMP&q=85&s=f495dd12f68598638d0112e4ebbf09a9" alt="Polls page showing available live polls" width="2724" height="810" data-path="images/students/student-polling.png" />
</Frame>

## Login Requirements

Polls can be configured by your instructor to require login or allow anonymous responses:

| Mode                   | How It Works                                                                                             |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Login not required** | Scan the QR code or use the link to answer immediately without signing in. Your response is anonymous.   |
| **Login required**     | You must sign in to Pawtograder before answering. Your response is associated with your student account. |

<Note>
  If a poll requires login and you're not signed in, you'll be prompted to log in before you can submit your response.
</Note>

## Poll Types

You may encounter two types of polls:

### Single Choice

* Select **exactly one answer** from the options
* Uses radio button selection
* Clicking a new option automatically deselects your previous choice

### Multiple Choice

* Select **one or more answers** from the options
* Uses checkbox selection
* Choose all options that apply to the question

## Submitting Your Response

1. Review your selected answer(s)
2. Click the **Complete** or **Submit** button
3. You'll see a confirmation that your response was recorded

<Info>
  Once submitted, your response cannot be changed. Make sure you've selected the answer you want before submitting.
</Info>

## Poll Availability

* Polls are only available when your instructor has made them **live**
* Most polls automatically close after **one hour**
* Your instructor may also manually close a poll at any time
* If a poll is closed, you won't be able to submit a response

## Troubleshooting

### "No active polls" message

* Your instructor may not have any polls open right now
* Wait for your instructor to start a new poll
* The page will update automatically when a poll becomes available

### QR code not scanning

* Make sure your camera is focused on the QR code
* Try moving closer or adjusting the angle
* Use the direct URL instead (ask your instructor to display it)

### Login prompt appears

* The poll requires authentication
* Sign in with your Pawtograder credentials
* After signing in, you'll be redirected to the poll

### "Poll is closed" error

* The poll is no longer accepting responses
* This may be because the 1-hour window has passed
* Or your instructor manually closed the poll

## Tips for Students

* **Have your device ready**: When your instructor announces a poll, be ready to scan the QR code quickly
* **Read carefully**: Take a moment to read the question and all options before answering
* **Don't overthink**: Polls are usually meant for quick responses, not extended deliberation
* **Ask questions**: If you don't understand the poll question, ask your instructor for clarification