In the November 2014 election, only 31% of eligible Californians voted and young people and people of color continued to be underrepresented. Although many factors contribute to low voter turnout, we believe that voter information is an important tool to engage and expand the electorate. 

To help make voter information more effective, more inviting, and more useful, we have released our Best Practices Manual for Official Voter Information Guides. This manual was specifically developed as an easy-to-use
resource for election officials and community groups working to enfranchise and educate California voters.

• Download the Manual
• View a prototype voter guide
• View a sample Voter Bill of Rights written in plain language

What is in the Best Practices Manual for Official Voter Information Guides Manual?

To better serve California’s diverse voters, this manual provides a full checklist of recommendations for creating or reviewing a voter guide to help answer the questions voters need. We must effectively provide voter information that:

• bridges civic literacy gaps
• is designed to make information easy to read
• is written in a language voters can understand

We hope that using our recommendations will lead to voter guides that raise voter confidence and increase participation. Some of these ideas are already being implemented in one or more California counties. While we suggest several simple fixes, some ideas may face regulatory, legislative, and financial barriers—a challenge we welcome to better serve California’s diverse electorate.

How can I get more information on how to use the manual?

Sign up for our newsletters and like us on Facebook to get all the information you need.

Where did the research come from?

Our research, led by the Center for Civic Design, was informed by diverse stakeholders, including election officials, community organizations, good government groups, and frequent and infrequent voters from across California. The voices of these voters underpin all our conclusions and recommendations.

One of these voices included a bilingual, low-literacy research participant who stated, “The whole time I’ve been ignoring this book, and it had all this information inside. Now that I’m reading it, it makes me
feel more confident.”

Who funded this project?

This project is supported by a grant from The James Irvine Foundation.