I can see the problems people might have with non-mods opening the polls, but I feel that most of PEEL is trustworthy in this manner. Furthermore, if any of the methods (excluding fake accounts, of which there is no decent means to detect, and no cure to counteract) tnuk suggested were employed, the moderators could and should be able to detect that it occurred and remedy the situation.
That said, I rather like the idea that anybody can open the POTM nomination thread. Lots of people have titles they wish to use at some point, and it makes the whole interaction more community based, as well as, allowing a lessening of the load on the POTM moderators. I'm pretty sure I brought this up several times when we discussed the rules.
Congratulations Spacegoldfish.