7. A modern and sustainable electoral system in Wales
Summary
We need to make sure our electoral system keeps pace with digital developments. We need to capitalise on the scope for greater compliance, transparency and the financial savings technology offers, while working to retain voter confidence in the electoral system. We also need to modernise the electoral system to ensure it is environmentally sustainable. We will work towards a modern and sustainable electoral system by:
- harnessing data and technology to meet the needs of voters, campaigners and electoral administrators
- understanding, calling for action and acting on the changing risks to the election system from the misuse of data and technology
- continuing to build strong relationships and streamlining working practices with all bodies that are part of the electoral system
- supporting governments and the wider electoral community to adopt a strategy and implementation plan which meets environmental standards required of our electoral system
Harnessing data and technology to meet the needs of voters, campaigners and electoral administrators
Data and technology present opportunities for democracy. Working with others, we will ensure we utilise data and technology to achieve efficiencies in the electoral system, to increase compliance with electoral law, and to provide accessible information to voters. We will undertake research to provide an evidence base for how data and technology can be harnessed. We will develop and implement plans to utilise data and technology to meet the needs of voters, campaigners and electoral administrators. We will work with others to implement new practices in the use of data and technology across the electoral system.
Understanding, calling for action and acting on the changing risks to the election system from the misuse of data and technology
Data and technology also present significant risks for democracy. We will work with others to explore and implement new practices in the use of data and technology across the electoral system, to improve the accessibility, security and efficiency of elections in Wales and other parts of the UK. We will also undertake research to understand how data and technology threatens the integrity of elections, paying specific attention to voters’ trust in the electoral system as a whole.
Continuing to build strong relationships and streamlining working practices with all bodies that are part of the electoral system
We work closely with other bodies that are part of the electoral system. We know that by working collaboratively we are better equipped to respond to the challenges the electoral system faces. We will continue to strengthen these relationships, including with a number of regulators and law enforcement bodies that play a role in enforcing electoral law. We will also continue to help voters understand who is responsible for specific areas of electoral law, and will work to ensure they know who to contact if they have concerns. We will continue to ensure we work with these other bodies in an efficient way, with the ultimate aim of increasing the impact we and they have in the delivery of an effective and trusted electoral system.
Supporting governments and the wider electoral community to adopt a strategy and implementation plan which meets environmental standards required of our electoral system
Over the life of this plan it will become increasingly important to understand and reduce the environmental impact of the electoral system, ensuring it meets the challenging environmental targets which are likely to be brought into law by the Senedd and the UK’s other parliaments. Responding to these targets will also increasingly challenge the local delivery of well-run elections and referendums. We will develop a strategy and implementation plan which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of our electoral system, to include innovative evidence-based solutions. We will work with the Welsh Government, other UK governments and local authorities to identify actions to reduce environmental impact. And, we will keep under review potential solutions which may lead to increased sustainability.