# Creating polls

> **Warning: Creates a public poll**
>
> Running `w2m new` immediately creates a public When2Meet poll.


# Select individual dates

Use a comma-separated list for selected dates, including schedules that skip weekends:

``` bash
w2m new "Committee Meeting" \
  --dates 2026-09-23,2026-09-24,2026-09-25,2026-09-28 \
  --time 9am-5pm
```

Example output follows. Each poll receives a unique URL.

``` text
✓ Poll created
https://www.when2meet.com/?12345678-abcde
```

Supported date forms include `2026-09-28`, `09/28/2026`, and `September 28 2026`.


# Use an inclusive range

Use `--date-range START END` when every calendar day between the endpoints should be included:

``` bash
w2m new "Project Planning" \
  --date-range 2026-09-28 2026-10-01 \
  --time 09:00-17:00
```

The range includes both endpoints, weekdays, and weekends. Use `--dates` to select exact days or skip weekends.


# Set the time zone

By default, `w2m` detects the computer's local IANA time zone. Override it with an explicit zone when scheduling for another location:

``` bash
w2m new "Remote Meeting" \
  --dates 2026-09-28,2026-10-01 \
  --time 9am-5pm \
  --timezone America/New_York
```

Use a full IANA identifier such as `America/Chicago`. An abbreviation such as `CST` is ambiguous. IANA zones apply daylight-saving rules for the selected dates.


# Output and errors

Interactive terminals show a compact Rich success message followed by the poll URL. Redirected output contains the raw URL:

``` bash
poll_url=$(w2m new "Committee Meeting" \
  --dates 2026-09-28,2026-09-29 \
  --time 9am-5pm)
```

Before sending the request, the command checks date formats, duplicate dates, date order, whole-hour times, and time-zone names.


# Troubleshooting

| Message | Fix |
|----|----|
| `provide either --dates or --date-range` | Add one date option. |
| `use either --dates or --date-range, not both` | Remove one date option. |
| `When2Meet creation supports only whole-hour times` | Use a time such as `9am` or `17:00`. |
| `unknown IANA timezone` | Use a full identifier such as `America/Chicago`. |
| `When2Meet request failed` | Check the network connection and try again. |