As it is well established that there is not
a one-size-fits-all method for ensuring verification of the identity of voters
that is both inclusive and ensures a fair election, principles cannot be
overly-prescriptive in nature. Nonetheless, given the practices identified
here as well as international standards that touch upon this part of the voting
process, it is possible to identify some areas ripe for inclusion in an
exercise in drafting principles and/or good practices. When such principles or guidelines are
further vetted and clarified, it may emerge that some are more directed to
certain entities than others, for example, election management bodies,
governments, the donor community, international and citizen observation groups,
and international electoral assistance providers.
Some preliminary suggestions are as
follows:
a. All parties must recognize the
importance of birth registration and commit to ensuring that all citizens have
free, timely, and easy access to documents related to birth and citizenship at
any age, but ideally at the time of birth.
b. States and election management
bodies commit to assessing capacity to implement a voter identification process
honestly and transparently, and to conducting effective feasibility reviews
c. There can be no de jure or de
facto discrimination in the identification requirements and procedures
d. All stakeholders commit to
ensuring gender equity in the voter
identification process and in access to requisite documents
e. Required identification
documents should be completely cost-free
f. All stakeholders should be
committed to widespread voter education efforts throughout the state with
respect to identification requirements and procedures
g. When contemplating moving to
advanced technologies such as biometrics, a rigorous analysis should be
conducted as to whether such technology addresses the core problems identified
in the voting system. This may include a
cost/benefit analysis.
h. When contemplating moving to
advanced technologies such as biometrics, stakeholders should also examine
matters related to sustainability and the capacity of the state to maintain
systems absent international assistance.
i. All dealings with vendors and
use of technology should be as transparent as possible in a way that is understandable
to the general public.
