Few things can change your day faster than opening the mailbox and finding a jury duty summons.

For some people, it's an opportunity to participate in the justice system. For others, it's the fastest way to ruin an otherwise perfectly good afternoon.

A new poll asked Americans a simple question:

If you were called for jury duty, would you rather serve... or not?

The results may surprise you.

Americans Are Split

• 34% say they'd rather serve on a jury.
• 44% say they'd prefer not to.
• 21% aren't sure.

So while more people would rather avoid jury duty, about one out of every three Americans actually sees it as something they'd be willing to do.

The Midwest Leads the Way

The survey found that Midwesterners are the most willing to serve, with 37% saying they'd happily take a seat in the jury box.

Men were slightly more likely than women to say they'd serve, and Baby Boomers were the generation most open to jury duty.

Have You Ever Been Called?

Getting a summons isn't exactly rare.

According to the survey:

• 15% say they've been called many times.
• 47% have been called once or twice.
• 34% say they've never received a jury summons.

Even after getting called, there's no guarantee you'll actually serve.

Only 19% of people say they've been selected to sit on a jury, while 78% say they've never made it that far.

Civic Duty... or Just Bad Timing?

Whether you see jury duty as an honor or an inconvenience probably depends on what's already on your calendar.

For some, it's a chance to be part of the legal system and help decide an important case.

For others, it's a week of missed work, rearranged schedules, and wondering if anyone else can water the plants.