A straw poll is a type of survey where people are asked to vote on a particular issue. The term 'straw poll' comes from the practice of using straws to draw lots in order to determine a winner. The term 'AMES' is an acronym for American Institute of Public Opinion, which was founded by George Gallup in 1935. The institute conducted the first scientific opinion poll in 1936 and has since become one of the most respected polling organizations in the world.