A poll is when you find out and count people's views, opinions or preferences, either by voting (a ballot) or other means, such as questionnaires or surveys. We also have certain expressions, such as 'go to the polls' and 'a polling station' . An election is when people vote for which candidate or candidates they want to be elected to a particular position eg a presidential election. For example, this week there will be a referendum in Scotland in which people will vote for whether they wish to remain in the United Kingdom. This will involve a ballot, but it is not an election.

Poll where the votes collect during election day Ballot is a vote paper for example The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day and the voter may request and vote a paper ballot.

Also Dimitry, you may find it helpful to know about something called a "Straw Vote". When people want to know generally, how a vote on an issue would turn out if taken, they have an "unofficial" vote. It might be by unofficial ballot or just a show of hands. This shows people that if the issue were voted on at that very moment, it would turn out a certain way. That is called a "Straw Vote". It is an effective way to learn how a certain question should be discussed. It is not necessarily part of an electoral process regarding political elections; but it is part of the activities of an organization where members vote on issues. .