In countries with a history of democratic elections, voter registration is not necessarily a particular “phase” or “period” of an electoral process but rather on-going. Citizens simply register to vote when they have come of age, have made the decision to take part in elections, or have moved electoral precincts (districts or subdivisions). In countries transitioning into democratic rule however, certain steps must be taken in order for EMBs to establish official lists of voters.
In such instances, this task entails much more than simply establishing registration offices. The public must be informed of their right to vote, the reason for voter registration, and where or how this registration will take place. In cases where it is applicable, voters should also be aware that where they have registered is where they must vote. In some cases voter registration might be easily combined with a country’s existing citizen identification card system. In other instances, an entirely new registration process, and sometimes even a new census, is necessary. Boundary delineation is also necessary, separating voters into precincts or electoral districts.
Where voter registration is an actual event undertaken by an EMB (as opposed to an on going process by government institutions) media play a vital role as both watchdog and vehicle for outreach (voter education) on registration. If voters are not aware of their right to register or, indeed, how to register, or if they are unlawfully not permitted to register, this will negatively impact an election before the process has even taken off. How voter registration is implemented will also greatly affect the credibility and fairness of an election. During this phase, here are just a few issues or questions for media to pay attention to:
- How does an EMB plan to carry out voter registration?
- How informed are citizens of this plan, or their right to vote? Do citizens understand procedures and rules of voter registration?
- Is a registration plan implemented in a manner that is consistent with guaranteeing this right?
- If voter registration does not take place in a particular area, what are the reasons provided by the EMB, and how founded or relevant are these reasons?
- Is there any interference (by political parties, candidates, or their supporters) in the voter registration process?
