A "straw vote" is an unofficial ballot or survey used to gauge public sentiment or opinion on a specific issue or candidate. Unlike formal votes, straw votes often lack binding effects and are not conducted under official rules. They serve as a preliminary measure for understanding voter preferences and can inform campaign strategies. However, the reliability of straw votes can be questioned since they may not represent the broader electorate accurately. They are frequently utilized in political campaigns and organizational settings as a quick and informal means of testing ideas or proposals.