Crossword Genius

A word from Jack about the poll (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

straw

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'poll' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for straw that I've seen before include "Dried grain stalk" , "It's clutched at in desperation" , "corny stuff" , "Dried grain stalks" , "Pale-yellow - through which one can drink" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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