On Tuesday, the Senedd approved regulations establishing the Welsh Voter Information Platform, as required by Section 26 of the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024. This platform will centralise election-related information, making it easier for voters to access key details about elections, candidates and polling arrangements.
For years, the third sector in Wales has advocated for a centralised voter information resource as a way to build a more informed electorate. Following the 2022 Local Elections, Democracy Group Cymru, coordinated by ERS Cymru, held a workshop exploring ways to boost turnout and voter engagement. A key takeaway was the need for a single, reliable source of election information to help voters navigate the electoral process.
The platform forms a wider package of democratic reforms introduced during this Senedd term that aim to modernise Welsh democracy, remove barriers to participation and ensure that every voter has access to the information they need to make informed choices.
So, what will the Voter Information Platform do?
The platform will be managed by the newly established Election Management Board (EMB) within the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru. It will serve as a one-stop shop for election information, ensuring voters have access to key details about devolved elections. At a minimum, it will provide:
- Election notices, such as official announcements of elections and polling details.
- Candidate and party information, including election addresses and candidate statements.
- Polling station information, covering locations and accessibility arrangements.
- Election results, with official declarations post-election.
The EMB has scope to expand the platform’s remit, potentially including information on electoral systems, devolution and the voting process, ensuring Welsh voters have the tools they need to participate fully in democracy.
International lessons
The Welsh Elections Information Platform will not be the first of its kind – there are other examples of similar systems that have been used by democracies across the world.
Canada
In Canada, Elections Canada offers a centralised website offering key election details, including election dates, voter registration, candidate lists, polling station locations, and election results. A key feature of the platform is its integrated voter registration system, allowing voters to check and update the registration details online. It also provides guidance on different voting methods such as advance voting and mail-in ballots.
Australia
Australia’s Electoral Commission hosts a comprehensive voter information site covering elections at all levels – local, state and federal. Beyond voter resources, the site also includes extensive guidance for candidates, outlining nomination rules, campaign conduct and electoral regulations. This ensures not only that voters are well-informed but also that candidates understand the democratic process and their responsibilities.
New Zealand
New Zealand has two major voter information platforms. The first, Elections NZ, provides core election details, including how to vote, candidate information and interactive polling location maps. The second, policy.nz, is an independent initiative that allows voters to compare candidate statements and party policies side by side. At the 2020 general election, around 1 in 6 voters used the platform to help them make an informed decision.
While Wales’ platform will focus on providing election information for voters, there may be opportunities to learn from these models in the future.
Breaking down barriers to voting
Like with any new initiative, there are likely to be some challenges, particularly in raising public awareness. That is why the platform’s success will depend on a strong communication campaign to ensure voters, parties and candidates know it exists and how to use it. The platform in its initial form is also very centred around elections, and the EMB should look into expanding the remit of its information to show voters how they can engage with democracy 365 days a year.
That said, this platform presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen voter engagement and knowledge in Wales. The platform marks a significant step forward in improving voter engagement. With busy lives and multiple levels of government, it can be challenging for people to stay informed about elections. The voter information platform will simplify the process, ensuring voters have easy access to essential information about what they’re voting for and how to participate. When combined with broader democratic reforms – such as automatic voter registration – Wales is making the democratic process more accessible than ever before.
It’s great to see the Welsh government picking up ideas from civil society, and it also shows the impact that ERS Cymru can have in bringing these groups together. There are currently 60+ organisations from across Wales involved in Democracy Group Cymru, and we’re looking forward to more of our ideas being turned into legislation.
You can support the work of ERS Cymru by joining the Electoral Reform Society.
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