Last updated on December 17, 2013

Elections should be as inclusive as possible, for voters and contestants alike. Inclusiveness is closely linked to the right to vote and the right to run for office, as well as the obligation of governments to facilitate these rights.⁶ There should be no discrimination toward any group in regard to voting rights or their implementation. An inclusive election process is also one that is based on open, broad consultation with stakeholders.

Innovations offered by electronic voting and counting can create opportunities for a more inclusive election process. Increased accessibility is one of the arguments in favor of the adoption of such technologies. Certain groups of voters struggle to participate in traditional elections. For example, voters with disabilities may only be able to vote with assistance, which can violate their right to a secret ballot. Electronic voting machines can be designed with features to assist voters with disabilities to cast ballots unaided, enabling a country to better meet international electoral standards. For instance, voting machines may be designed with audio explanations to allow blind voters to vote unaided; font size can be adjusted for the visually impaired; and sip/puff solutions can be used for voters with limited or no motor capacity.

Electronic voting machines may also facilitate the provision of ballots in other languages, with little additional cost, which may enfranchise linguistic minorities. Remote Internet voting may increase participation among military personnel and other voters living abroad. 

At the same time, implementation of new voting or counting technologies should not exclude any group of voters or inhibit their participation in any way. Certain groups of voters, such as elderly, illiterate, rural or low income voters, may be unaccustomed to using computers or other electronic devices and may be initially reluctant to vote or cast their ballots electronically. Such considerations must be factored into both the design of the technology and related public outreach to ensure maximum usability of the equipment, particularly among groups that may be unfamiliar with electronic technologies. 

Unintended disenfranchisement and potential erosion of trust in the election process has to be weighed against the potential for inclusion of certain groups and other possible benefits. That calculus is a matter of importance to all citizens, and is why sometimes seemingly technical considerations in this arena are actually public policy issues that require broad participation. The opinions and concerns of stakeholders (political parties, civil society and voters), must be central to decisions about whether and how to employ electronic voting or counting technologies. In addition, they should have an opportunity to monitor the processes for procuring the proposed equipment, including testing, certification, deployment and evaluation of its performance. This type of involvement will help build an understanding of the technologies, the likely benefits and a realistic assessment of the challenges. 

If there is political consensus behind the decision to adopt electronic technologies, the potential for successful implementation is much higher. On the other hand, a decision to move ahead with such technologies in the face of significant opposition or lack of involvement is very risky, and could ultimately result in the failure of the project. 

The accessibility and usability of proposed technologies should remain important considerations throughout the decision making process. Civil society organizations representing particular groups, such as persons with disabilities, illiterate or linguistic minorities should be consulted at regular intervals and be invited to test the equipment with these specific interests in mind. Pilot tests of equipment should also take issues of accessibility and usability into account.

Another aspect of inclusiveness is the need to provide voter information and education on new voting and counting technologies, so voters understand and feel confident using the equipment. Specific voter education campaigns should also be designed to target certain disadvantaged groups, explaining features that may facilitate their participation. As much as possible, voters should have the opportunity to try the technology before using it on Election Day. 

Observer groups should give attention to issues of inclusiveness when observing a country that adopted electronic voting or counting technologies. Those groups should collect data on Election Day that demonstrates the extent to which certain populations experience difficulties when using the technology. Post-election survey data and focus groups can also provide valuable information about voter experiences using new technology for the first time.

^{6 For more detailed information on this topic, please refer to the following sections in Part 2: Decision in Principle; Design Requirements; and Voter Education/Information.}

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