Rutledge

Voting Option in Outlook

Outlook 2003

Start a New email message

  • Click the Options button (or click the View menu and click Options.) Select Use Voting Buttons.
  • You can use one of the predefined voting buttons or create your own. To create your own, type the words needed, separated by a semi-colon. The recipient will only be able to vote for one item.
Note: Unless the recipients have used the voting option, they may have difficulty finding the buttons. In the body of your email, you may want to include an instruction like: "Please vote for your option by using the voting buttons found in this email. They are located in the gray portion at the top, under the toolbar." The voting buttons only show when the email is completely opened.

Example of an email with a voting option
 

 

 

If you turn off all your toolbars in the email requesting a vote, it may be easier for the recipient to see the voting buttons. Experiment by sending a couple to yourself to see which way you prefer.

Track the Votes

Open the email sent in your Sent Items folder. Click on the Tracking tab to see the responses.

If you do not see a Tracking tab, click on this message to get the option View Voting Responses.

Office 2010

  • New email
  • Options tab
  • Use Voting Buttons
  • Choose Custom
        You will get the same screen as in Outlook 2003

You will not see the voting buttons in the email you send. However, you will see a message that voting buttons have been added.

The recipient will need to open the email, not just preview it.

The message to vote is very subtle, so you will probably want to draw attention to it in your email. 

Track the Votes

Open the email in your Sent items.

At the top of the email you will see a message about responses. Click it to view the voting responses.

 
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