Forms for voter registration come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. Sometimes voters can register on-line and the form exists only as an electronic file. Sometimes, the form is posted on the election management authority’s web site, but it must be downloaded, printed, completed manually, and returned either in person or through the postal service. Sometimes only a paper form is available from the election management authority or another public body acting as distributor. And sometimes the form is to be completed not by the voter but by an registration officer, a registration centre employee or other such official.
Where possible and practical, election management authorities often choose a voter registration form with several tear-off sections. One reason is that this style of form can include a voter identification card, to be detached and handed to the voter on completion of registration. The card shows the voter’s name and address, the election date, the voting station location and hours of operation, and (in some cases) a voter identification number. The personal information on the detached card exactly matches the information on the part retained by the election management authority.
Various security features may be built into a multi-part voter registration form. For example, a registration number may be printed on the part retained by the election management authority as well as on the tear-off voter identification card (numbering helps officials monitor the distribution of forms). Both parts may carry the voter’s photograph or fingerprints. Some jurisdictions require the signature of one or more witnesses, also registered voters, who attest to the identity of the individual completing the voter registration form.
Another security feature is a laminate coating; this serves as well to protect the voter identification card from damage. The laminate can be applied with either hot or cold techniques, depending on local conditions.
Multi-part forms may simplify data sharing. For example, to report a change of address to the post office, someone may complete a form in duplicate or triplicate. One copy of the form then goes to the election management authority, efficiently updating the voter’s information.
