Elections Reform Task Force: Voter Education

Overview of Voter Education

What is Voter Education?

Voter education encompasses many things, but it is the combination of activities to help voters make informed choices about candidates and ballot measures and then carry out those choices accurately and effectively when voting. Voter education includes informing voters about the candidates, what a ballot will look like, how to use a voting machine, where a polling place is located, how to register, providing training to election day workers, and posting the results of the election.

There is a broad range of election-related topics for election officials to cover and because of this the types of voter education programs across the country vary. Much of the education done for voters is done at the county level, making it difficult to identify and track. In fact, there are a few states that do not print or distribute any voter information and the responsibility of educating voters is placed on the counties. However, there are many states that do produce and distribute voting materials, while individual counties produce other materials or supplement what the state has produced.

Examples of Voter Education

With the increasing ease, access, and effectiveness of the Internet, every state has developed a web site that contains election information. Every state election site, at the minimum, has links to an election calendar, voter registration information, absentee voter information, candidate filing information, election results, voter registration and voter turnout statistics, and contact information for election officials. In addition:

The District of Columbia has comprehensive ballot instructions along with pictures of a sample ballot.

Louisiana also has a picture of a sample ballot online with instructions.

Missouri and Montana have a breakdown of voting systems by county.

Ohio has information regarding upcoming primary elections.

South Carolina's website has a list of acceptable forms of voter identification, information on curbside voting, and a link for voters to check their individual registration information.

Minnesota and Oregon have online voter's guides, which include information on presidential, congressional, and state candidates and information on each measure on the ballot.

Virginia lists the types of ballots used in each city throughout the state.

Other states' websites offer voter information in Spanish and other languages, links to legislators, information on polling sites, and links to county websites. The Texas Secretary of State even offers an online guide to conducting a successful voter education drive for community members. The brochure provides guidelines for businesses, associations, schools, and other organizations that want to plan and implement a voter registration or education drive. The guide includes suggestions for planning and implementing the drive, what registration materials are needed, and some tips to motivate voters.

Though Internet access and use is increasing as people find it to be a quick and efficient way to get information, it is only one component of the voter education puzzle. In September 2000, BusinessWeek ran an article that reported the findings of a survey by the Los Angles Times. The Times survey reported that overall, only 10% of men and 4% of women rely on the Web for political news, chat, and direct communication with campaigns. The survey was based on telephone interviews with 694 likely voters.

It is important to realize that not everyone will look to the Internet to find election information. That is where creativity comes in. There are many states with very creative voter education programs. For example, in order to encourage voters to register, the California Secretary of State's office sponsors Voter Registration Week. During this week citizens are able to attend different events at different locations throughout the state including grocery stores, universities and colleges, and local businesses where there are voter registration forms and information regarding upcoming elections. This event is complete with posters and a Midnight Madness event.

Other examples of voter education are publications such as voter information pamphlets. Many of the 24 states that have the initiative and referendum print and distribute voter information booklets. The state of Colorado produces and distributes the Blue Book, written by nonpartisan state staffers, which presents the pro and con sides to each issue on the ballot. The state of Oregon also prints and mails out a comprehensive booklet containing initiative and referendum information as wells as candidate information for the upcoming elections. In the 2000 election this booklet contained over 360 pages of information. At the county level, San Mateo County, California prints and mails a sample ballot to each registered voter.

States are trying to educate not only the voters of today, but also the voters of tomorrow. Many states have implemented civic education programs in elementary, junior high, and high schools. Programs like the North Dakota Student/Parent Mock Elections and Promote the Vote 2000 in Mississippi help young people see the importance of voting and how their involvement does make a difference. Another unique program to encourage and educate young people is Pennsylvania's Vote with a Vet program. Created in 1999 by Governor Tom Ridge, Vote With a Vet is conducted by the PA Departments of State, Education, and Military and Veterans Affairs. Last year, over 10,000 students from 107 schools across the Commonwealth participated in the Vote With a Vet Program.

2001 Legislation Related to Voter Education

Because voter education is a large part of conducting an accurate and fair election, many bills have been introduced to address improvements in voter education. Overall, there are at least 56 bills addressing voter education, of which 29 bills alone address voter information pamphlets. Examples include:

Requiring the California Secretary of State and the Governor to establish a statewide voter education media campaign

Requiring the Division of Elections in Florida to adopt rules establishing standards for voter education and training programs

In Hawaii, requiring the chief election officer to inform voters of the consequences of a blank ballot

Permitting simulated voting for minors at polling places in New Jersey

Recognizing February 6 as Kids Voting Day in South Dakota

Voter education remains a popular and vital topic to any discussion of elections reform. The National Association of Secretaries of State, in its Election Reform Resolution, identified adopting aggressive voter education and broad-based outreach programs as a top priority. Also, the Report of the Oregon Elections Task Force recommends increasing voter education to encourage voters to register and successfully vote their ballots. Educating voters takes creativity and persistence, but is necessary to ensure a fair and democratic election.

For more information on the Elections Reform Task Force:

Tim Storey or Jennie Drage Bowser (303) 364-7700
or Susan Frederick (202) 624-3566