Polls in the big chat apps
| Polls | Who can see votes | End-to-end encrypted | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | In groups since November 2025, up to 10 options | Everyone in the chat | Yes |
| In chats and groups; end times and hidden voter names added August 2026 | Members, unless names are hidden | Chats are; not stated for polls | |
| Telegram | Anonymous or public, multiple answers, quiz mode | Your choice | No (group chats are cloud chats) |
| IronCircles | Polls, plus majority or unanimous votes on who joins, removals and circle settings | Members of the circle | Yes |
Facts about these apps are as of October 2026.
All three are good at the quick question. None of them lets a poll change anything about the group itself. In each, admins and invite links decide who joins, and admins decide how the group is run.
How votes work in IronCircles
An IronCircles circle has polls for the everyday questions, and votes with real consequences for the rest. Each vote can count as a poll, a simple majority or a unanimous decision.
- Polls: dinner, dates, the movie.
- Who joins: a circle can require existing members to vote a newcomer in.
- Who leaves: members can vote to remove someone.
- How the circle runs: changes to security and privacy settings, and even to the voting model itself, can be put to a vote.
- Deleting the circle: a decision members can make together.
Votes show who voted for what, so a group can see where everyone stands. Like everything in a circle, votes are end-to-end encrypted.
Why it matters
In most group apps, one admin holds all the power. They can add anyone, remove anyone and change the rules. That works until it does not: a family feud, a club changing hands, a friend group with one person who adds too many strangers.
A circle that votes is owned by its members. Nobody gets in without the members’ say-so, and the rules change only when the members agree.
Questions
Are Signal polls end-to-end encrypted?
Yes. As of October 2026, Signal polls are end-to-end encrypted like the rest of a Signal chat. Everyone in the chat can see how each person voted.
Can a group vote on who joins?
In IronCircles, yes. A circle can require its members to vote a newcomer in, and members can also vote to remove someone or change the circle’s settings.
Are IronCircles votes anonymous?
No. Members can see who voted for each option. Votes are end-to-end encrypted, so nobody outside the circle can see them.