The Importance of Voter Education - Integrity Group Barbados

The Importance of Voter Education

With over 145,000 Barbadians participating in the 2013 general elections, elections are the largest administrative undertaking on a single day in Barbados. Given the nature and importance of elections, meticulous planning is necessary for their administrative success. Part of achieving this success requires that voters are adequately educated on the importance of elections and the various processes involved. Voter education provides the background attitudes, behaviours, and knowledge amongst citizens during an election. This education can assist with effective organisation and activism by citizens, while knowledge of the rules and procedures can ensure tolerance of opposition, fairness in the process and acceptance of the results.

Organisations for voter education

Reaping these benefits first requires mandating and delegating the authorities responsible for voter education and information. Chief among these would be the Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which is constitutionally responsible for administrating elections. Given this vital undertaking, the Commission must be provided with the adequate staff, funding and other provisions necessary for effective voter education. But voter education is not exclusive to the ECB. Although it is understood to be a non-partisan activity, political parties can and should also play a role in the process. Voters can in fact learn a great deal about democracy and voting in elections from political parties as they have a vested interest in getting the vote out.  Additionally, civil society groups like IGB, who have an interest in ensuring integrity in the electoral process can also be agents in voter education. These organisations however must be responsible and ensure that the information provided is accurate and in accordance with the ECB.  Thus they must work in concerts with the ECB.

Communicating with voters effectively

A vital aspect of the voter education process is utilizing effective ways to deliver information to as many persons as possible. With a host of potential first-time voters communicating these procedures are of particular importance for voter participation. Although traditional media can be used to reach a larger audience, communication must target where the intended audiences reside. One such target group is young voters who may be unfamiliar with the voting process. Additionally, the youth are often politically disconnected, yet it is their participation which is vital to the continuation of democratic practices and cultures. Therefore, organisations and institutions responsible for voter education must consider emerging media platforms like social and digital media if younger voters are to get on board.

Information voters should know   

There are various pieces of information which voters must be have in order to achieve a successful election. First and foremost, Barbadians must be registered as an elector with the Electoral and Boundaries Commission in order to vote.  Additionally, since constituencies are divided into numerous polling divisions, the exact locations of where they are to vote must be provided. Voter awareness of election laws and regulations particularly on election day are also important to reduce the potential for discrepancies during elections. Noteworthy examples include the prohibited use of cell phones in voting booths, the wearing of politically motivated attire and prohibitions on seeking to influence the votes of electors at the polling station.

Given the democratic right to vote, Barbadians must also be made aware of the accommodations that must be provided to cast their vote without obstructions. On the day of elections, employers must permit their employees a reasonable time to vote of no less than an hour. There should be no deductions of payment or any other penalties on an employee for their absence during voting. Since voter education can enhance the quality of democracy and elections, it is a responsibility that should not be neglected during this election season.

Information voters should be aware of when voting