While it may be possible to
use creative and innovative means to provide voter education solutions that
address all voters, finding the right solution often means finding balance
between the ideal and the practical. However, it may also be impossible. In addition, choices
will have to be made on the basis of simple logistical constraints. Among these
constraints will be:
- the size of particular groups
- the isolation of particular
groups
- the time available
- the ability to have materials
produced or translated
- the ability to deliver and
distribute materials
- the number of educators
available
With limited budgets and an
election to run, it is likely that voter education programmes could feel the
pinch. But it will be important for educators to make arrangements to reduce,
if not eliminate, the constraints on their programmes.
Because there will always
have to be voting sites, even in the most remote areas, and because these will
need to be supplied with materials and with staff, voter educators always have
access, even if limited, to those same voters. More importantly, careful
planning can reduce logistical problems and potential costs of the election.
Voters who can show up at the right place and time, come equipped with the
proper identification, know how to properly mark their ballots, and are capable
of passing efficiently through the voting site can lead to a reduction in the
number of poll workers and the number of hours voting sites need to stay open,
while limiting the security needs on election day.
These arguments in favour
of voter education despite logistical constraints suggest that those posing
severe logistical constraints should at least have their motives examined to
ensure that they are not trying to limit the access of particular groups of
voters to the polls. Nevertheless, there may still come a time when educators
have to evaluate costs and benefits, and accept that there may be some voters
who have to be excluded from more general programmes. Where this does happen,
some form of supplementary programme may be necessary.
