Primaries are hard to explain.
But writing instructions for voters gets even harder when some parties allow some voters to participate in their Presidential Primary.
That’s the case in California, where the 1 in 4 voters who are registered without a party preference are allowed to vote in the Democratic, American Independent, or Libertarian party primaries, but not in the Republican, Green, or Peace & Freedom party primaries.
Add in the challenge of getting the right ballot to the many vote-by-mail voters, where the question is asked on a postcard form without the support of a friendly poll worker.
It’s confusing enough that hundreds of voters in Sacramento called the county elections office to ask why the Republican Party was left off the list of options. The issue even made the news.
Clearly, plain language, accurate instructions, and usable forms are needed.
Here’s how Shasta, Santa Cruz, and Inyo counties created instructions and forms to make sure voters know their options and can communicate their choices to the elections office clearly.
Read the text on the showcase materials
For more information:
Field Guide 2: Writing instructions voters understand
Field Guide 10: Creating forms that help voters take action
Project: How voters get information (voter guides in California)
Project: Communicating with voters: election websites and voter education
Do you want to vote for President on June 7, 2016?
All voters can vote in a primary election. Voting for President depends on the party you are registered with.
Do you want to vote for President on June 7, 2016?
You received this postcard because you vote by mail and you are not registered with a qualified political party and are considered a No Party Preference voter.
As a No Party Preference voter, you have three options:
(This is followed by contact information for online registration, the Shasta County Clerk and Registrar of Voters, and the California Secretary of State.)
The form
If your residential address is different from above, you must re-register to vote.
[checkbox] When I registered to vote, I did not state a preference for a qualified political party. For the Presidential Primary Election on June 7, 2016 only, I request a vote-by-mail ballot for the [fill in the blank] party.
(Please write one on the line: American Independent, Democratic, or Libertarian)
Voter, sign here.
Do you want to vote for President on June 7, 2016?
You must select one of the three political parties that have allowed you to vote in their presidential primary: American Independent, Democratic, or Libertarian.
Use this postcard to make your selection and be sure to return it no later than April 8, 2016. Otherwise you will be mailed a ballot without the office of President.
If you want to participate in the Presidential Primary for the Green, Peace & Freedom or Republican parties, you must be registered to vote with that party.
Deadline to register is May 20, 2016. Register to vote online at www.registertovote.ca.gov
The form:
I am not registered with a qualified political party. However for this primary election only, I request a vote-by-mail ballot for the party below.
(Voter signature)