To get the poll options you need to scroll down further when making the post. It will open another window asking what you want. Need to give options and also follow other instructions. Before you hit submit the thread the last question is do you want to submit a poll and you click yes and tell it how many options.
As far as resizing goes I am not sure on this. Brian G did a great job in his and would love to see him write a tutorial or give suggestions as to how he did his. We need a standard set of rules for these contests. It is surprising we do not have a tutorial in place of how to set these up. Every year people have to ask and test till they find the right mix. I am watching these because probably next year I will step away from entering contests and run one or two. Mike also does a good job with his. I believe you can enter all photos in a program like resize it and just resize all photos at once.
Heck I do not even know how to take a screen shot and post it so I am not too much help.