Now as far as a poll, there is a button on the lower right hand side that says post a new poll ( it is located next to the reply, new topic , etc... buttons)
select that option, then just type in your poll question.
the space provided needs to have only one answear per line ( the lines are not drawn out ) just think lines of text then hit enter to go to next line just as if you werre starting a new line then type the one line of that particular answear choice, then repeat process for each answear choice
once that is completed and you are finished with the question and answear choice sections, then just hit post like you would for any other thread reply ( the poll will define itself automatically for you )
give it a try ...