Voter education takes place to assist the election administration in its task of delivering a free, fair, efficient and cost-effective election. It encompasses the basic voter information that every voter must have in order to arrive prepared at the voting station and vote on the dedicated voting day(s). Voter education sensitize the electorate on the importance of participating in elections. Voter education provides the background attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge among citizens that stimulate and consolidate democracy. During an election, this education will ensure effective organization and activism by citizens in support of parties and/or causes, behavior by citizens that is appropriate to a peaceful election, acceptance of results and tolerance of the competition and opposition. Education on its own cannot sustain democracy. However, education can protect democracy when citizens are supported in their activity by a responsive and democratic state. Indeed, an educated citizenry can even overcome inadequacies in administrative preparations for an election.
The Civic and Voter Education Encyclopedia topic explores the possibilities and constraints of civic education as a way to secure democracy in varying political contexts. It explains some of the terminologies used around the world and the institutional environments that are most effective. It offers the civic educator a comprehensive toolbox for establishing and implementing a program. Guidance is given on various techniques, methods and materials, and sections deal with financing, monitoring, evaluating and institutionalizing programs.
Voter Education