Discussion rules
How a discussion works
Each discussion asks one neutral question. You vote agree, disagree or pass on short statements, and you can add a statement of your own. Pol.is groups people by how they vote, so the results show both where opinion divides and what most people agree on.
What a statement must be
- One idea, in a sentence or two, that others can agree or disagree with.
- About the question, not about another participant.
- Free of personal attacks, slurs, threats, private information about anyone, advertising and links to campaigns.
- Not a duplicate of a statement that is already there.
Moderators approve statements before others see them. We reject statements that break these rules, whatever view they express. We never edit a statement. Rejection decisions do not depend on politics or party.
Who chooses topics
The site’s maintainers open discussions. Anyone can ask for a discussion on a council matter, bill, executive order or Supreme Court decision; the number of requests is shown publicly and helps us choose. We do not open discussions on candidates or elections.
Who can take part
Anyone can read, vote and write; you don’t need an account. Some discussions are meant for residents of a state, the city or a council district, and we ask you to take part only where you live. This is an honor system, not identity verification, so results describe the people who took part, not a scientific sample.