Elections are held for voters to pick their representatives or decide on public issues. Voters are targeted in the electoral campaigns as candidates and parties try to win their support and their vote on election day. The consolidated vote of the voters decides who wins and loses the elections. Effective, fair and knowledgeable participation by voters is an essential part of election integrity.
Voters participate in an election in many ways. Each step is important to the overall integrity of the electoral process. These steps include:
- registering to vote and voting so they are able to express their choice on election day;
- discussing candidates and campaign issues so they are informed and can make a rational choice;
- watching and evaluating the process, and making a complaint if something is wrong;
- expressing their support for a candidate or political party through ethical means such as wearing a campaign button or party colours, placing a political party banner in their yard, or a sticker on their car. This can also be campaigning for a candidate, or contributing money to a candidate or political party;
- attending campaign rallies or meetings to obtain information or to lend support;
- lobbying for improvements to the election law or procedures, better enforcement of laws, better election security so the system is fairer, more accurate and credible;
- running as a candidate; and
- protesting unfair or arbitrary acts ethically through letters to the editors, petitions to the electoral management bodies or the government or through peaceful protest. 269
Voters generally participate out of self-interest. The amount of time, and the manner in which they participate, will depend to a great extent, on how well they think the process and general situation are going. Other factors include the charisma of a particular candidate, the security situation and type of issues being decided.
The integrity of voter participation is usually discussed in relation to voter fraud (see Discrimination, Intimidation and Fraud), election turnout (see Voting) or in wealthy individuals providing large amounts of financial support to their favoured candidates (see Campaign Financing). However, there are a number of other integrity issues related to voter participation that should be considered. Among these are:
The need for enlightened voters
A free, fair and competitive electoral system should have an enlightened citizenry at its heart. Voters with a sense of civic virtue, where the public good is placed above private interest, can be the foundation for true electoral integrity and for the electoral and political processes to work effectively to promote the common good.
According to the NGO CIVITAS, (a Framework for Civic Education done by the Center for Civic Education in Los Angeles), the principles by which citizens should act in a 'healthy democracy' are:
- civility and respect for others, with the use of civil discourse;
- individual responsibility and accepting responsibility for the consequences of their actions;
- self-discipline and adherence to the rules required to maintain a constitutional democracy, without the need for external authority;
- civic-mindedness and the willingness, on appropriate occasions, to place the common good above personal interest;
- open mindedness, including a healthy sense of skepticism and a recognition of the ambiguities of social and political reality;
- a willingness to compromise, realizing that values and principles are sometimes in conflict, tempered by a recognition that not all principles or values are fit for compromise since some compromise may imperil democracy's continued existence;
- tolerance of diversity, and compassion for others;
- patience and persistence in the pursuit of public goals; and
- loyalty to the government and its values. 270
The importance of an informed voter
Informed voters can make good use of their vote if they are able to assess the consequences of the different choices offered to them on the ballot. Being informed means that voters have information beyond who is running for what office. Being informed means voters understand their civic duties and responsibilities, and have enough substantive knowledge on the election and the candidates that they can make a considered and informed choice. According to Civitas, 'competent and responsible participation is based upon moral deliberation, knowledge and reflective inquiry.' 271
Informed, responsible voters are a key integrity mechanism. They do not make false statements that might disrupt or prevent an election. They do not participate in a hostile or illegal manner to intimidate other voters or try to manipulate the election results. They participate responsibly and turn out to vote in an election, because they understand the importance of their participation.
Apathetic voters
Some citizens show no interest in elections or in voting. There can be different reasons for this lack of interest, including a lack of a choice among candidates, or believing that their vote will not make a difference. In general, those with a lack of interest, or with low understanding of the process, tend to be less likely to participate.
Who does not vote, also depends on the Social and Political Context of the country. Age, income, education and occupation are all variables. Nonparticipation can have important implications. According to Civitas, 'the failure of citizens to take part in elections at every level is just one indication, easily measurable and therefore unmistakable, of widespread disengagement of citizens from the responsibilities and rewards of involvement inherent in our constitutional system.' 272
In most systems, if the apathetic voters were to turn out and vote it could change the dynamics of governance, as studies indicate they would vote for different representatives than those currently in office. Apathy and increased participation, can be addressed through effective civic and Voter Education programs as well as mechanisms such as compulsory Voting.
Overzealous voters
Voters can become emotionally involved in an election, in the issues raised during the campaign, and in supporting a candidate running for office. This can help increase public debate and voter turnout, but can negatively affect the integrity of the process if it is taken to the extreme. Overzealousness can lead to intolerance and discrimination against others with a different point of view. It can result in tearing down of other party's posters and banners, or blocking opposing voters from registering or polling.
Most of these activities are banned in the Codes of Conduct for Political Parties. To limit overzealousness, some election laws include restrictions on the types of activities that can be undertaken on voting day. In South Africa, for instance, no one may hold or take part in a political meeting, march, demonstration or engage in any political activity other than voting in the area within the boundary of a voting station. In the Philippines, as in a number of other countries, it is illegal to consume alcohol on polling day.
Unethical and illegal activities
Some of the unethical activities which are outlawed in most systems include:
- participating in vote buying schemes, either by selling their vote or by buying the vote of another;
- intimidating another voter, party agent, electoral worker or candidate;
- destroying or defacing campaign banners, posters or billboards;
- carrying or displaying a weapon during campaign rallies, voter registration or polling;
- inciting violence or acting as a part of a mob to disrupt the process;
- preventing another person from registering, voting or attending a political rally;
- preventing candidates and their supporters from campaigning;
- preventing monitors and observers from observing;
- interfering with electoral administration, bribing an election manager, or destroying or tampering with electoral materials and electoral sites;
- abusing their personal position, either parental, patriarchal, traditional or employment authority, to influence other voters or the election authorities in order to affect the conduct or outcome of an election; and
- impersonating a representative of a registered party or of a candidate, a candidate, a member of the elections staff, an accredited observer or an elections security officer. 273
Enforcing voter integrity
Civic education programs can promote productive, rational participation by voters. However, education is only part of ensuring integrity. As with other parts of the electoral process, enforcement of voter integrity is essential. Enforcement of illegal acts and unethical behaviour is usually done through the legal system. Holding voters who break the law accountable for their actions can help deter others. Timely and effective enforcement in cases such as destruction of private property, harassment or other illegal behaviours, can help ensure a better electoral climate more conducive to genuine participation.
