Eklektikos said:
And, to put the above information into context and fill in certain gaps, here are the polling procedures as enacted within the DG2 Code of Standards:
Forum Poll Procedures
1. The following criteria are required for a poll to be binding:
a) Quorum levels must be met.
(i) Quorum for polls is 1/3 of the active census within the first 24 hours or;
(ii) 1/2 of the active census after the first 24 hours.
b) Approval levels must be achieved.
(i) In the first 24 hours a super plurality is required.
(a) To "win" the poll in the first 24 hours, a category must receive at least double the votes received by the next highest choice.
(ii) After the first 24 hours a simple plurality is required.
(iii) If "Abstain" ever holds plurality at the end of a poll, the poll is not binding.
2. The following criteria are required for a poll to be valid:
a) Discussion thread open for 24 hours, minimum.
*b) Poll type in the header and first post.
Meaning Formal or Informal. The only classification required is posting Informal (if it is) in the narrative.
**c) Poll end dates/times noted in the first post.
The number of days the poll is open should suffice. The time doesn't change.
(i) End dates/times can be conditional. (Example: poll ends at the beginning of the next chat turn)
d) Participation requirement (quorum needed) noted in the first post.
e) Link to relevant discussion threads in the first post.
f) Inclusion of an "Abstain" option.
***g) Link to the poll in the Poll Registry.
This can be removed. It's not a life or death issue.
3. The following criteria are preferred for all polls:
*a) Proposed poll, up for 24 hours minimum.
For any polls used for Constitutional or CoL issues (amendments) this should be required. Move to valid poll requirements.
**b) Poll posted with link from discussion thread.
This is in the valid poll requirements already. I understand why it's also listed here, but many may not, and this could cause legal problems.
c) Poll duration minimum of 24 hours (48 hours plus is preferred).
(i) If the poll runs into the weekend it is advised that the duration be extended by 24 hours for each weekend day. Forum participation is much lower on the weekends.
d) Link to the poll in the appropriate Department thread.
*4. Information polls - Do not have restrictions and cannot be used to justify policy, plans or actions.
I don't care for this rule. Informal/Informational polls can be very persuasive and should adhere to the same rules as others. Anyone can learn to write polls.
a) All polls posted by Leaders are considered Official unless specifically noted to be informational in the header and first post.
No need to reinvent gunpowder here.
