Change Your Vote in Polls – Flexibility with Configurable Time Window

Flexibility in Voting – Because Plans Can Change

Who hasn't experienced this? You cast your vote in a poll, and shortly after, your situation changes. An appointment falls through, a new obligation arises, or you simply misunderstood the question. Until now, the submitted vote was final in many systems – a change wasn't possible without contacting the poll creator.

With the new vote editing feature in Chorilo polls, this problem is a thing of the past. Members can independently correct their vote within a defined time window, while choir directors and administrators maintain full control over how long this flexibility is granted.

The Configurable Edit Time Window

At the center of the new feature is the configurable edit time window. When creating a poll, the creator can specify how long members should have the opportunity to change their vote after their initial submission. This setting is found directly in the poll form and offers a wide range of options.

The available time windows range from a short 30 minutes for quick decisions to 4 weeks for long-term planning. In between are practical increments like 1 hour, 4 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks. For situations where maximum flexibility is desired, there's also the "Always editable" option, which sets no time limit.

This variety of options allows the edit window to be precisely tailored to each situation. A short-term scheduling poll for next week might only need a 24-hour window, while a vote on the annual program could well offer several weeks of editing opportunity.

Transparency for All Participants

A key aspect of the new feature is complete transparency. After a member has voted, Chorilo clearly displays how much time remains for a possible change. This information appears directly below the poll and updates in real-time.

The display intelligently adapts to the remaining time. For longer periods, days and hours are shown; for shorter periods, hours and minutes. This way, every member knows at a glance whether there's still time for a correction or whether the decision is already final. For polls without a time limit, the notice "Always editable" appears, signaling that a change is possible at any time.

This transparency builds trust and prevents frustration. No one has to guess whether a change is still possible – the information is always visible and current.

The Editing Process in Detail

Changing a vote is deliberately simple. Once a member has voted and the edit window hasn't expired, an "Edit vote" button appears next to the poll. Clicking it puts the poll into edit mode.

In edit mode, the options become selectable again, and the member can adjust their selection. The original vote remains visibly marked, making it clear what was previously chosen. After adjusting, clicking "Save changes" confirms the new selection. Anyone who changes their mind can end the process at any time with "Cancel" and return to their original vote.

This process works identically in both the web application and the mobile app. Whether on desktop or on the go with a smartphone – the ability to change your vote is always available as long as the time window is still open.

Why a Time Window Makes Sense

The decision to implement a configurable time window rather than unlimited editing capability has good reasons. Unlimited editing options can lead to uncertainty – if votes can constantly change, it becomes difficult to plan based on the results.

The time window creates a compromise between flexibility and commitment. Members have sufficient time to reconsider their decision and correct it if necessary. At the same time, there's a clear point at which the vote is considered complete and the results can be regarded as reliable.

For choir directors, this means planning security. When the edit window has expired, they can rely on the results and act accordingly – whether for scheduling, program selection, or other decisions.

Practical Application Examples

The new feature proves its value in many everyday situations. For a short-term scheduling poll for an extra rehearsal next week, the choir director chooses a 24-hour window. Members vote, and anyone who realizes the next day that something has changed can easily correct their vote. After 24 hours, the result is fixed, and the date can be planned with certainty.

For a long-term vote on the concert program for the next season, a longer time window of 2 weeks makes sense. Members have time to listen to the proposed pieces, discuss with others, and possibly revise their opinion. After two weeks, the decision is made, and rehearsal planning can begin.

For a simple vote on the color of new choir attire, where no time-critical decision is pending, the "Always editable" option can be chosen. This maintains maximum flexibility until the choir director places the order.

Integration with Existing Polls

The new feature integrates seamlessly into Chorilo's existing poll system. The edit time window is an additional option when creating polls and affects neither the transparency of votes nor the ability to create events directly from event polls.

Existing features like displaying voters by voice part, percentage display of results, and the comment function under polls remain fully intact. The edit time window complements these features without changing them.

Availability on All Platforms

The vote editing feature is available in both the web application and the mobile app for iOS and Android. The user interface is consistently designed on both platforms, so members have the same experience regardless of the device they use.

In the mobile app, the remaining edit time is also prominently displayed, and the editing process works with the same intuitive steps as in the web application. This allows members to quickly respond to changes in their plans even while on the go.

More Control, Less Stress

The new vote editing feature makes life easier for everyone involved. Members no longer need to feel pressured to make the perfect decision immediately. They know they can still correct within the time window if something changes.

Choir directors and administrators maintain control at the same time. They determine how much flexibility they want to grant and can rely on binding results after the time window expires. This balance between flexibility and commitment makes decision-making in the ensemble more efficient and less stressful.

Try the new feature with your next poll and experience how a well-designed edit time window can improve the voting culture in your ensemble.