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Strasbourg, 18 June 2003
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CDL (2003) 43
Or. fr.
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Opinion no
244/2003
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EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW
(VENICE COMMISSION)
ELEMENTS FOR
INFORMATION
DOCUMENTS FOR VOTERS
Adopted by the Council for Democratic Elections
at
its 5th meeting
(Venice,
12 June 2003)
and by the Venice Commission
at
its 55th Plenary Session
(Venice,
13-14 June 2003)
on
the basis of a contribution by
Mr Claude CASAGRANDE (CLRAE Expert ,
France)
Preliminary remark : this document is
a general framework which will be adapted to the individual situation of each
State.
Dear Madam, Dear Sir,
Votes are a very important moment in a country’s democratic
life.
They must be conducted in accordance with strict rules; in
particular, the following principles must be respected:
·
the vote is personal: one may not vote in another
person’s place (except for special cases provided for in the legislation).
·
the vote is secret: no-one must know for whom or for
what list you have voted.
This document simply informs you what must be done so that
these principles are respected when you vote:
In order to vote,
you must be registered on the electoral roll!
If registration is not
automatic: you should follow the
instructions given by the authorities for registration.
(NB: it would perhaps be useful to personalise
this section, depending on the rules in
force in the country concerned:
where does registration take place? at the town
hall? in another department? deadlines for registration ...)
If registration is
automatic:
Once you are
registered as resident within a local authority’s territory, you should also be
registered on this local authority’s electoral roll.
Country
specifics, e.g.:
-
where does registration take place? at the town hall? in another department?
- deadlines for registration and the right
of appeal in case the registration did not take place
In case of doubt, you are advised to check with the
electoral commission (at the town hall…?) a few days (or up to such time allowed
by law) before the election date:
·
that your name is definitely on the electoral roll
·
that the other information is correct: (date of birth,
address ...)
·
which polling station you should vote in (premises,
address)
·
the polling station’s opening hours
·
if necessary, the arrangements for alternative forms of
voting (such as postal ballot)
If your name is
not on the electoral roll, ask that this be corrected: find out about the
procedures to be followed and the documents to be provided.
For people who are ill or unable to go to the polling
station:
-
find out about the procedure you must follow in order to be
able to vote;
-
if necessary, register with the electoral commission so that
the “mobile” polling box can be brought to you.
[Space
for other country specifics]
1. Go to the designated polling station with your identity
documents (and your electoral card?)
2. Go up to the electoral commission member responsible for
checking your identity
3. The electoral commission checks your identity and your registration on the electoral roll
before handing over the voting material and do not divulge any information other than that
required to ascertain your identity.
4. Go into the polling booth alone.
Attention! this is essential, since your vote is SECRET!
5. In the polling booth, fill in or choose the voting slip personally!
Attention! this is essential, since your vote
is PERSONAL!
6. Fold the voting slip yourself, in such a way that no-one can see your vote
(or place it in an envelope if this is the case).
7. Place the voting slip in the urn yourself: no-one else may
touch it.
8. Take back your identity papers (and your electoral card,
if applicable) from the electoral commission
9. Leave the polling station without delay: once voting has taken place, it is
forbidden to remain in the polling station.
[Space for country specifics, including specific voting
procedures (by
mail, by proxy etc.)]
By respecting these rules,
you will help to ensure that this election day is a victory for democracy.
