Is Voter Education Necessary?
Elections are contested by political parties and, in some countries, by candidates forwarded by public organisations and by groups of voters. They are administered by election management authorities.
Under what circumstances and with what right do educators involve themselves in this seemingly straight-forward process? Some might assume that it is a process undertaken by adults who know their own minds and have the sophistication necessary to survive in the socio-political context in which elections may be taking place.
Yet, a simple and obvious case may be made for disseminating information to the public about how elections will be conducted. Even in established democracies with a tradition of periodic elections, voters require information.
First time voters, the elders, the illiterate and those with special needs are among the priority groups to be educated. Changes in election technology, for example the introduction of computer touch screens, or in election practices such as voting by mail, will necessitate general voter education efforts. An increase in the number of candidates or political parties contesting an election, as well as the number of public initiatives voters are being asked to decide, may complicate ballot design.
The recent confusion of the "butterfly ballot" used in Palm Springs, Florida, during the 2000 elections illustrates the need to conduct adequate voter education even in what may be considered the most ideal circumstances.
The need for voter education will be even greater in transitional and post-conflict environments undergoing radical systemic, legal, and procedural changes and where the right to vote may be extended.
But what is the mandate for more extensive education, both in the midst of elections and as an on-going effort, about the value of elections? This is a more difficult question.
There are even those who suggest that voter education can be intrusive and open to abuse, and that it should be excluded from the electoral process altogether.
A Growing Commitment to Voter Education
The expanding mandate for voter education stems from a variety of sources. Emerging international principles support the spread of democracy and the extension of universal suffrage to all. Elections, of course, are an integral part of this movement. In this context, then, voter education ensures that citizens understand and are able to exercise their electoral rights.
In addition, legislative mandates establish clearly defined functions for electoral management authorities. There is a growing belief that electoral management authorities should provide not only information but also education to assist voters in exercising their civic responsibility to vote.
Mandates Define Voter Education Activities
Establishing a mandate enables an organisation to focus on objectives and activities appropriate to the particular society and electoral process in which it is operating.
In some cases, the mandate for educating voters may be established through legislation or executive order. Usually, legislative mandates are conferred upon election management authorities or entities receiving public funds for the conduct of voter education. The mandate of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation to engage in broad-based voter education and training activities, for example, was provided for by an executive order which tied such activities to the successful implementation and fulfillment of voting rights legislation enacted in 1994.
With respect to civil society organisations, the mandate to conduct voter education activities is typically established through its incorporation documents, by-laws, and mission statement. The mission statement, in particular, articulates the reason for the organisation's creation, identifies and addresses the constituency it serves, and briefly explains how the organisation goes about these tasks.
A public institution or civil society organisation may have a narrow or broad mandate. They may be limited to the conduct of voter education activities. Or, they may conduct voter education activities as part of a broader mandate in civic education or public advocacy.
Once a mandate is created, either as a result of legislation, an executive order, or a the adoption of a mission statement, it will be necessary to build public awareness of and support for, as well as establish the legitimacy of, a voter education programme. Taking such steps increases the prospects for a successful voter education effort.
The occurrence of an election will certainly raise a host of issues about which people may want more information or education. Very often, educators use elections as a platform to broaden people's understanding of social, economic and political issues in general. They may even use this opportunity to try to improve people's organisational skills. These are all important aspects of education for a functioning democracy.
At the same time, however, educators need to be focused. They need to operate in a clearly defined environment. The development of both institutional/ organisational mandates and programme-specific parameters are central to defining this focus.
