The delayed process of counting votes, partisan infighting, broken machines, and long lines are some of the roadblocks, which many voters face during elections. Although paper ballots are still common, over the years countries have started using mobile phones and updated options, like approval voting.
With many things changing, including technology, countries need to use the latest techs. This is because many voting options are a convenient way to cast ballots. To make voting procedures more effective, you can consider the following ways:
1. Revamp the Registration of Voters
Most governments still depend on the pen-and-paper method of voting, which leads to many errors and types during registration. Introducing more options to vote may help to get more voters on the rolls.
For instance, registering online allows eligible voters to get registered. Voters can also update and check their records through an online portal.
2. Hire Poll Workers and Offer Training
Elections cannot just happen without voters, counting of votes, staffing polling stations, and poll workers. In some countries, poll workers are volunteers who don’t want to get paid for conducting elections, but in others, they include retired and older citizens.
However, this year, professional poll workers are opting to stay home to be safe from the global pandemic – coronavirus. Therefore, it would be best to look for young people to train so can they step up and work in the polling stations.
3. Replace Outdated Voting Machines
Among the challenges that elections face is the lack of money. Elections are becoming more expensive, and expectations are high now that people have tablets and smartphones connected to the internet.
Good results need better machines, so replacing outdated ones with modern voting equipment is the ultimate solution you need to make voting procedures successful.
4. Test Voting Machines
Every machine has to be set up specifically for candidates running in the election. Before Election Day, municipal clerks have to test every voting machine to be sure they are set up and working properly. Although these tests may not prevent or predict Election Day malfunction, they are vital for miscalibration or detecting problems in the way voting machines were set up.
You can involve citizens to observe machines to be sure that every voting equipment is complete and quality. This ensures transparency and helps to note problems so they can be corrected before the election.
5. Consider the Same-Day Registration
Laws should be changed so that voters may have more time to register. Many countries cut off registration days before Election Day. This leaves many individuals outside the democratic process.
Rather than cutting off the registration days, voters need to be allowed to stop at the polling station to update and register so they can cast their votes. This reform may offer much-needed flexibility to a mobile society.
Concluding Remarks!
Modernizing an antiquated system can help election officials and voters alike. People have different views regarding how they can ensure good results in elections. Whether this includes testing voting machines or revamping voters’ registration, your strategies will surely improve the voting procedures.
