5 Tips for Creating Voting Instructions That Voters Will Actually Read

One of the biggest challenges when preparing a vote is ensuring that voters will read and understand the instructions. ElectionBuddy, along with other systems includes pre-defined instructions, but some voters may still be unfamiliar with the process. Here are some tips to make voting instructions as clear and user-friendly as possible.

Organize Instructions in the Order of Actions

Think about the steps voters will follow and arrange the wording accordingly. Start with the place that the voter will start, and proceed to details. 

• Out of order – A paper ballot will be included inside the envelope you received in the mail.
• In order – A ballot will be mailed to you. Open the envelope and examine your paper ballot.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Chunk Information

Break down instructions into smaller, bite-sized steps to make them easily understandable by voters. Here are 2 examples 

• Large-sized — Step 1: open your envelope, review the ballot, fill out your ballot, and mail it back.
• Bite-sized — Step 1: Open your envelope Step 2: Review the ballot. Step 3: Fill out ballot. Step 4: Return paper ballot. 

Bullet Points  

A single sentence for each bullet allows voters to easily scan and digest information. A sample of bulleted instructions follows::

• Open your ballot.
• Review the included information.
• Once ready, fill out your paper ballot with an X indicating your choice. 
• When ready, put your ballot in the return envelope provided.
• Prepare your paper ballot for mailing using the return address provided.

Be Direct

Avoid lengthy explanations. Focus on the most important actions voters need to take, keeping it as simple and concise as possible, as per the following:

• Too Long – Step 1: Retrieve your mail from your neighbourhood post office and return home with your mail. Once home, open your mailed ballot.
• Just Right – Step 1: Open your mailed ballot.

Simple Language 

Use plain, easy-to-understand words and avoid jargon. Avoid legal or technical terms that might confuse voters. The clearer and plainer the language, the more confident your voters will feel. This is especially important for voters who may not be as familiar with English, or for whom English is not their first language. For example:

• Jargon: “As pursuant in Section 7.01.”
• Simplified: “As per Section 7.01.”

Use Visuals

A picture can clarify or replace a thousand words. Incorporate photos or diagrams that visually guide voters through each step of the process. This can be especially helpful for complicated steps such as filling out a ballot or finding the signature location.

For example, you may want to include a screenshot of the ballot pointing to the key aspects, like this image:

Test Your Instructions

Before finalizing your instructions, ask a variety of people to review them. Try the process exactly yourself, step by step. Have others try the process too, and note their actions,  And if something isn’t clear to them, have them tell you what it isn’t clear or have them “think out loud.”  You will be surprised at what they do and they share, and it will help you make your voting process clearer.

A great way to test is using the rule of five testers. If five people can complete the process, then the vast majority will be able to repeat the process. If something isn’t clear to the testers, it’s likely others will struggle too. Adjust accordingly and have a new group of five test. You can even adjust if you get two people that have the same issue. Avoid using testers a second time, as they have already experienced the instructions.

Final Thoughts

By following these five tips, you’ll create instructions that are more likely to be read, understood, and followed. Making the voting process as accessible and straightforward as possible can have a big impact on voter participation.

Need help? If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us. You can chat with us in the bottom right corner or email us at support@electionbuddy.com. We’re here to help!