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.