Voter education programmes usually include face-to-face interactions. These are also known as direct forms of communication (television or radio being an indirect form of communication). Whether through community gatherings or door-to-door campaigns, direct contact with potential voters is an important aspect of voter information and education. Some evaluations also suggest that it is necessary to supplement indirect forms of communication with face-to-face interaction to move from providing information to affecting behaviour.
In many democracies, where rates of literacy may be low and where there may be widespread unfamiliarity with the newly defined process of voting and elections, this direct contact is a tool that can empower people with the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will allow them to become active and engaging citizens. The oral nature of face-to-face meetings gives illiterate and semiliterate people an opportunity to ask questions and get answers immediately.
Meeting with people who give information in a credible and nonpartisan way reduces distrust in the process. It also reduces ignorance and the fear associated with not knowing what to do or what to expect. In groups, at workshops or information sessions, people will realise that they are not alone in their concerns about voting and, knowing that others are going to vote, they will feel confident to do the same. People attending workshops or information sessions and who are thereby able to access up-to-date information, can become resources in their communities.
However, face-to-face educational programmes are resource hungry. Unless care is taken to ensure that events are run in local communities using existing venues and local catering, they can be expensive. When events are organized as conference-like programmes in large hotels, the costs can balloon alarmingly.
In addition to venue costs, face-to-face events, such as workshops and conferences, require administrative and secretarial backup, travel, recruitment, training, payment of skilled education staff, and extensive care and feeding of the programme participants. In order for events to be successful, participants must be recruited and encouraged to come to central venues, and this is not always successful. Often there must be repeat events.
Extravagant events are not necessary: face-to-face programme activities can be developed at low cost and with limited external support.
This section of the topic area describes the possibilities and also provides guidance for educators who will engage in such programmes.
