Basic Issues
Clearly expressed information materials at the voting station will not only assist voters, but also take some pressure off polling officials by providing a constantly visible set of information to satisfy potential queries from voters.
Voting station information materials would basically fall into two categories:
- directional and other advisory material for orienting voters;
- information on voting procedures.
The legal framework would often specify the basic directional and procedural information material that must be provided for voters in voting stations. It would usually be appropriate to think beyond these minimum requirements to devise information signs, posters, and pamphlets that enhance efficient processing of voters and assist voters' understanding of how to vote.
In designing these information materials, the emphasis must be on facilitating quick comprehension. Thus, the use of symbols, diagrams, and pictorial representations, rather than large blocks of text, is important. Consideration of the needs of less literate voters and of minority language groups is necessary.
(For further information on voter information materials in general, see Voter Information, Information Direct to Voters, Information at Voting Locations and Voter Information Requirements.)
Outside the Voting Station
It can be useful to provide directional signs to the voting station, to be used in the surrounding streets, particularly where voting station locations have changed since the last election. Also, where new premises are being used, it can be useful to place a notice of where voting is now being conducted outside the former premises; people can be creatures of habit, no matter how much publicity has been given to current voting station locations.
Clear identification of the voting station through use of a an external sign is necessary. Where voting station materials are delivered and returned in a large, heavy duty bag, this could be designed so that it can double as a 'Voting Station' sign that can be tied to the front of the premises.
Internal Signs for Voter Control
Signage throughout the voting station that designates different operational areas, and provides general information on how voters should proceed throughout the voting station will aid voter flow. Basic signs or posters that would be needed include those that:
- state the hours of voting;
- identify entrances and exits;
- show the geographic area serviced by the voting station;
- identify key areas of the voting station, such as 'Queue Here' signs (or if queues are split, the alphabetic or geographic split of the queue), special voting facilities, and the voting station manager's desk.
Signs indicating any required conduct within the voting station (e.g., no smoking, no firearms, prohibitions on campaigning, and the like) should also be provided.
Voting Procedures
Information materials available in the voting station on voting procedures should cover the range of actions required of voters. Specific information materials would generally include:
- posters showing how to cast a valid vote, in larger sizes for the voting station walls and smaller to fit in each voting compartment or booth;
- posters advising voters to have their identification documents ready for inspection and showing the identification documents required to be presented;
- posters and handouts on the rights of voters to vote and any challenge mechanisms;
- posters on facilities for physically impaired voters or other voters needing assistance or special facilities;
- posters and handouts on contesting candidates or parties;
- posters indicating the availability and pamphlets explaining the details of special voting facilities available;
- where different ballot boxes are provided for different ballot papers or voter streams, clear signs as to who is to use and what has to be placed into each ballot box;
- in continuous registration systems, information and forms for updating voter registration;
- in complex or new voting systems, posters and pamphlets containing a brief explanation of how the voting and representation system works.
Materials Quantities
Quantities of voter information material required for voting stations will depend on the number and characteristics of voters and the size and configuration of the voting station. While it would be efficient to have voter information material supplies based on standard packs, the need for additional material in specific circumstances must be considered. This could include:
- voting station premises with multiple rooms or more than one entrance and exit;
- local voting populations with significant proportions of voters from minority language groups, first time voters, or voters with specific information needs.
