After pondering this overnight, I've decided to turn the poll function on for members, with a couple of caveats:
1) Please post only Civil War related polls. Do not post polls in the "Lounge" area of the board. The reason is that I don't want to see polls regarding favorite candies, favorite rock bands, etc.
2) Please use discretion as to the number of polls you post. One or two a month per member should be the limit. I know it's not obvious, but polls are tougher on both data-base size, and processing speed.