Information for Current Elections
As noted at the beginning of this section, the term voter information is typically used to refer to the fundamentals of the elections, ie. where to vote, when, and how. Disillusionment about the efficacy of more substantive voter education programmes or suspicion that voter education somehow suggests partisan campaigning have resulted in a number of election authorities deciding that their job is primarily that of voter information.
Information is the Role of the Election Authority
Despite the fact that neither of the caveats need be true--voter education can be both effective and nonpartisan--there is something to commend the view that election authorities themselves should concentrate on voter information and leave more voter education tasks in particular, and civic education activities in general, to a wider range of organisations.
First, election authorities are the only ones who have the necessary information. They are most familiar with election laws, regulations, and practices. And it up to them to disseminate the information required both by contestants and the electorate. Educational interventions, on the other hand, require many more resources and a concentration of effort that may go beyond an election authority's administrative responsibilities. The extent to which an election authority moves beyond basic voter information into the realm of education may be determined by their legal mandate. If an election authority must or otherwise opts to limit is activities to voter information, it would still have a role to pay in developing a mechanism for
encouraging voter education initiatives by others in a society. As for the information that is required, it too has to come from a thorough understanding of the needs of voters and from good and regular feedback.
Understanding Local Needs
Because information is often local--polling site locations, lists of contestants, and so on--voter information programmes have to develop ways in which they can be responsive to local needs and local knowledge. In some cases, this is done by appointing information officers. In others, presiding officers have the role of providing local information.
Important Role of the Media
Whichever route is taken, such people need to develop good relations with the press. This media is often the only available route for getting information out to a large number of people in a short period of time. Press statements, press briefings, and press releases combined with the provision of documentation and materials to the press may be one of the most important tools of a local information programme (See General Media).
