About .voting domain
.voting is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Valuetainment Corp. with back-end registry services provided by TLD-BOX. It was delegated to the root zone in January 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry's stated purpose is to provide a dedicated and trustworthy namespace for conducting votes, polls, surveys, and hosting discussion forums. It is designed as a self-explanatory extension with specific content policies to ensure a secure user experience.
Who can register .voting domain
Registration for .voting domain names is open to the public with no geographic or organizational restrictions. However, all registrants must adhere to the TLD's strict content policies. Websites using a .voting domain are exclusively permitted to host content related to surveys, polls, or forums for exchanging opinions. The registry provides its Votingtool software to help registrants create and manage this content in compliance with the rules.
How to register .voting domain
- Search for your desired .voting domain name using a domain name registrar's search tool to check its availability and see the registration price.
- Compare pricing, term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from different accredited registrars that offer the .voting extension.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate contact information for the domain registrant.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email and configure your domain's DNS settings to point to your web hosting or the registry's Votingtool service.
Typical uses of .voting domain
The .voting extension is primarily used by individuals, organizations, and businesses that want to conduct online polls, surveys, or host opinion forums. It is commonly chosen by market researchers, media outlets, political groups, and community organizers who require a dedicated and immediately recognizable web address for gathering feedback. Users select this TLD to signal a clear purpose to visitors, leveraging its association with voting and surveys to attract participants and build trust in their data collection efforts.
Tips for registering .voting domain
- The registry enforces a strict content policy: .voting domains may only be used for websites dedicated to surveys, polls, or discussion forums, with limited exceptions for registry-operated sites.
- Registrants are offered a free "advanced" version of the registry's Votingtool software to create and manage polls, with a premium version available for purchase.
- Websites collecting personal data must clearly display the provider's identity and a privacy policy explaining how the information will be used.
- The registry maintains an anti-abuse policy and a mechanism for users to report websites that violate the established content rules.
Frequently asked questions about .voting domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .voting domain?
As of today, .voting domains start from $849.89/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $1,975.66/yr across 11 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .voting domains?
NameBeta tracks 11 registrars that support .voting domain registration, with the cheapest option at $849.89/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .voting domain?
The registry for .voting domains is Valuetainment, administered by Valuetainment Corp..
Who can register a .voting domain?
While registration is open to anyone, all .voting domain names must be used exclusively for content related to conducting votes, polls, surveys, or hosting discussion forums. The registry provides tools to help registrants comply, and websites that collect user data must clearly identify the operator and post a privacy policy. There are no trademark or geographic restrictions for registration.
Can I transfer a .voting domain between registrars?
.voting domains can typically be transferred between ICANN-accredited registrars following the standard inter-registrar transfer policy, which requires the domain to be unlocked and an authorization code to be obtained from the current registrar. The domain must be more than 60 days old and not within a redemption grace period to be eligible. Always confirm the specific transfer procedures and any potential fees with both the gaining and losing registrars.
What are the content restrictions for a .voting website?
Websites on .voting domains are strictly limited to hosting content for votes, polls, surveys, or forums for exchanging opinions. No other content or services are permitted, except for domains operated directly by the registry itself. This policy is designed to create a trusted namespace where users can confidently participate without encountering unrelated or potentially deceptive content.
Does the registry provide any tools for building a voting site?
Yes, the registry offers its proprietary Votingtool software. Registrants of a .voting domain name receive free access to the "advanced" version of this tool, which can be customized to create polls, surveys, or manage a discussion forum. A "premium" version with additional functionalities is also available for purchase directly from the registry operator.
What happens if a .voting site does not follow the rules?
The .voting registry has established an anti-abuse policy and a response mechanism for users to report non-compliant websites. Upon receiving actionable reports, the registry will investigate and escalate matters according to its policy, which could potentially result in the suspension or termination of the domain name registration for serious violations of the content requirements.
Can I register a .voting domain anonymously?
While you must provide accurate WHOIS contact information as required by ICANN, you may be able to purchase WHOIS privacy services from your registrar to shield your personal details from public view. However, note that if your website operator does not disclose its identity on the site itself, the registry's rules prohibit the collection of any personal data from users.
