There is a distinction between voter operations planning and overall task re-scheduling. Voter operations planning deal with the framework within which planning takes place. Planning considers each aspect and each phase in broad categories to determine what is required when planning efficient elections. Overall task scheduling breaks down each phase of the planning into detail.
Election Cycle Planning
Voting operations planning methodology will be largely determined by whether electoral management bodies are temporary or permanent and whether elections are at fixed or variable intervals.
Where there are permanent electoral management bodies, it is easier to undertake longer-term voting operations planning, aiming at building up resources and skills in a manner that avoids a last minute rush of preparation following the announcement of the election and which is integrated into the electoral management body's strategic plan.
If planning and acquisition resources are available permanently, this longer-term outlook is the most effective method of voting operations planning.
Election Period Planning
For the election period itself, detailed project and overall operational plans are vital to ensure that:
• all relevant actions have been identified and assigned administrative deadlines so as to meet legal deadlines;
• dependencies and links between actions are in logical time frames;
• responsibilities have been assigned for the many interdependent voting operations tasks to be completed;
• targets for activity progress and monitoring are in place.
These plans could be developed on two levels--an overall schedule of significant tasks combined with more detailed project planning
Ideally, project plans should have a flexible format,that shows the overall, integrated project plan for all voting operations projects in a single time line, and also shows data and time lines for each project individually. Such flexibility will make the task of individual project managers easier.
Timing
Advance planning for the election does not need to wait for the announcement of an election date. Actions and interdependencies can be established, and time frames for actions determined and placed within the planning framework in a "days before" and "days after" voting day format.
Such advance planning needs to be developed in a flexible format, to allow later insertion of actual dates and readjustment of time frames and requirements due to procedural changes.
These more detailed project plans will generally be much easier to develop where at least basic computer facilities, if not project planning software, is available. Project planning and monitoring software and ancillary technical skills on how to use it, are among the most effective contributions that technology can make to the voting operations process.
More rudimentary planning styles may employ a checklist format, listing each of the activities to be undertaken in the election period.
