Benefits of SMS Notices for Voting for Organizations

Member-based organizations face many challenges when it comes to their elections: low turnout, distrust in the process, and complex logistics. These issues can combine to make elections not only difficult for organizations to execute, but can also make them fundamentally useless as a form of representation. 

Online voting systems can help, and SMS notices for voting can go even further to address these issues. Using SMS notices for voting allows organizations to run elections that are secure and accessible, which can increase turnout and reduce administrative burden. 

What Are SMS Notices for Voting?

‘SMS’ stands for ‘short message service.’ It is the original and most basic way for text-only communication to be sent between mobile devices. The term ‘SMS’ is often used interchangeably with ‘texting,’ but ‘texting’ can refer to other systems of text-based exchanges (e.g. iMessage and Signal).

SMS notices for voting allows voters to cast ballots using their phones. This is done through a secure platform specifically designed for voting, as elections are only as successful as their security. These systems include protective measures like end-to-end encryption, voter authentication, and the ability to audit results.

 Increased Participation

One of the best reasons to integrate SMS notices for voting into elections is its impact on turnout. Text messages are opened at a much higher rate than emails, and are often opened more quickly. As important as elections are, getting members to engage in them is a challenge, especially with busy electorates.

SMS notices for voting can also help eliminate some barriers to participation. For instance, it removes the requirement to go to a physical voting location or be at a computer. It also relies on technology used daily by most people.

As helpful as it is, it’s important to think of SMS as one option among many. Some members may prefer voting using paper ballots or email-based systems, and it’s important that multiple avenues of voting are available to voters. Just as elections are only as effective as their security, they are only as effective as their turnout. Providing a diverse range of options makes voting easier and increases participation.

Saving Time and Money

Voters sometimes underestimate the work required to hold effective elections. Administrators are all too familiar with this burden, however. They know how much time is spent managing calendars, answering voter questions, sending reminders, and tracking participation. SMS notices for voting can automate some of this work, saving organizations hours of work.

Once a list of voters is complete, election administrators can schedule text reminders that will be seen immediately. SMS notices for voting also allows for real-time participation, so it’s easier to see who has already voted and be able to send targeted reminders.

Finally, SMS notices for voting allows for shorter timelines in planning votes, allowing fast elections for decisions that need to be made quickly.

Maximizing Benefits

When it's implemented intentionally and presented as one of several options, SMS notices for voting can build voter participation and simplify administrative work, all while keeping elections secure. ElectionBuddy can help organizations introduce this powerful tool alongside other voting methods. We can make elections more effective, increase voter confidence, and help organizations with specific concerns, such as explaining proxy voting through SMS notices!