European Elections Voter Turnout Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the main purpose of the study conducted by the European Commission regarding remote voting?

To analyze the benefits and drawbacks of remote voting (correct)

To examine voter turnout in previous elections

To explore the legal framework of voting systems

To provide an overview of the history of voting

Who were the lead contractors for the remote voting study?

Márton Csirik and David Dueñas Cid

Harry Panagopulos and Clara Faulí

Francisco Lupiáñez-Villanueva and Axelle Devaux (correct)

Anna Knack and Ria Ivandic

What is a major disclaimer mentioned in the legal notice of the study?

The study reflects the official opinion of the European Commission.

The views set out do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Commission. (correct)

No one may use the information contained in the study.

The accuracy of the data in the study is guaranteed.

Which Directorate-General commissioned the study on remote voting?

Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers Signup and view all the answers

What role did Harry Panagopulos have in the remote voting study?

The contact person for the study Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes one of the acknowledgments made in the study?

Marlene Altenhofer contributed to the country fiches. Signup and view all the answers

When was the study on remote voting published?

2018 Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the data provided in the study according to the legal notice?

The accuracy of the data is not guaranteed. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential risk associated with voting in another district?

Increased risk of double voting Signup and view all the answers

What factor may influence the effectiveness of postal voting on turnout?

The availability of remote voting options Signup and view all the answers

Why might some internet voting systems allow multiple votes?

As a countermeasure against coercion Signup and view all the answers

What does the evidence suggest regarding the impact of postal voting on turnout?

It shows no significant effect in many situations Signup and view all the answers

What procedure is sometimes implemented when using mobile ballot boxes?

Election officials visit to supervise the voting Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is unlikely to be influenced by the design of voting options?

Political engagement Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of some countries' postal voting systems could burden voters?

Submission of a specific application Signup and view all the answers

What common finding is reported regarding voter satisfaction with internet voting?

High levels of satisfaction from those who use it Signup and view all the answers

What was the voter turnout percentage in the 2014 European Parliament elections?

42.5% Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the methods mentioned that may increase voter participation in the EU?

Remote voting solutions Signup and view all the answers

As of July 2018, what voting methods are Member States allowed to provide for European Parliament elections?

Advance voting, postal voting, and internet voting Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the EU population aged 15 or older are mobile citizens?

3.4% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a stated goal of the amendment to the 1976 Act concerning elections?

Facilitate personal and professional voting Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge related to voter turnout mentioned in the 2015 report?

Diversity of electoral processes across Member States Signup and view all the answers

What is the implications for remote voting for individuals living abroad?

It enables them to exercise their voting rights. Signup and view all the answers

What was the voter turnout in the 1979 elections as a comparison?

62.0% Signup and view all the answers

Which group provided information for the development of country fiches?

Representatives of EU Member States Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant trend in electoral participation in Europe over the last 25 years?

Decreased participation in elections Signup and view all the answers

Which country had the highest voter turnout in the 2014 European Parliament elections?

Belgium Signup and view all the answers

What was the lowest recorded voter turnout in the 2014 European Parliament elections?

13.1% in Slovakia Signup and view all the answers

Which organization developed case studies related to internet voting?

Open Evidence core team Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of voting does the content mention as being particularly studied?

Voting for people with disabilities Signup and view all the answers

Which method of voting was NOT specifically mentioned in the context provided?

In-person voting Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major concerns about remote voting mentioned in the case studies?

Coercion in remote voting Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main preferences of respondents regarding the method of voting?

Voting from their PC Signup and view all the answers

What security concern is highlighted regarding the use of identification codes sent by post?

Potential theft of codes leading to unauthorized access Signup and view all the answers

Which country is noted for having fully implemented internet voting?

Estonia Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of internet voting is causing concern among public institutions?

The potential cybersecurity risks and effect on election legitimacy Signup and view all the answers

Which countries are exploring internet voting solutions in the near future?

Bulgaria, Sweden, and Wales Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of internet voting in France during the 2017 legislative elections?

It was used for overseas voters only Signup and view all the answers

What was a finding from the online survey conducted among German, Italian, and Polish respondents regarding identification methods?

They preferred to receive their identification codes by post Signup and view all the answers

What additional use of digital tools in the voting process is mentioned?

Increasing accessibility and reach Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Voter Turnout in European Elections

Voter turnout in European elections has decreased over the past 25 years.
Voter turnout is particularly low for European Parliament elections in some countries.
The 2014 European Parliament elections saw the lowest voter turnout on record at 42.5%.
The Commission's 2015 report on the 2014 EP elections concluded that it is important to examine further, and seek to address, the reasons for the persistently low turnout in some Member States.

Remote Voting Solutions and Electoral Reform

The Council adopted a decision in July 2018 amending the 1976 Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage.
The decision indicates that Member States may provide for the possibilities of advance voting, postal voting, and electronic and internet voting, in elections to the European Parliament.
Member States shall adopt measures sufficient to ensure the reliability of the result, the secrecy of the vote, and the protection of personal data.
The Council mentions these possibilities as a way to promote participation.

Benefits of Remote Voting

Remote voting has the potential to foster participation of electors living abroad.
3.4% of the EU population aged 15 or older are mobile citizens.
Around 35.5 million Europeans have emigrated to another country (either within the EU or outside).
Individuals living in their country of citizenship may also benefit from remote voting if they are unable to reach the polling station on election day for personal or professional reasons.

Considerations for Implementing Remote Voting Solutions

The impact on turnout, its costs, and the level of acceptance among the population may depend on how the solutions are designed and implemented.
The design of each voting option, including postal voting and internet voting, provides different degrees of convenience and guarantees relating to ballot secrecy, security, and integrity.
The impact of postal voting on turnout is mixed.
The online survey showed postal voting had little impact on likelihood and intention to vote in Italy and Poland.
The impact of internet voting on turnout is unclear.
Several studies in jurisdictions that have tried internet voting report high levels of satisfaction from voters and/or willingness to use the option again.

Costs and Savings

Costs may also depend on the design of the voting system and the overall combination of voting solutions offered.
Costs should be considered in the context of multiple elections over a longer period.

Public Preferences for Internet Voting Solutions

The results of the online survey of German, Italian and Polish respondents showed that respondents generally preferred to vote from their PC compared to voting from a smartphone.
Respondents preferred to use their existing browser compared to using a specific app or programme.
Respondents preferred to receive their identification codes once by post compared to a two-step identification process (by post and by SMS).

Security Considerations

Public institutions should ensure that apart from being user-friendly, the mechanism chosen for identification also considers security factors.

Adoption of Internet Voting Solutions

Estonia is the only Member State that has fully implemented internet voting.
In France, internet voting was used for overseas voters in the 2012 legislative elections, but it was not used in 2017.
Plans to trial internet voting have been announced in Bulgaria, Sweden (at local and regional level) and in Wales (UK).
A consultation on electoral reform is being undertaken by the Scottish government, including on issues of internet voting.

Cybersecurity Risks

Concerns over the potential cybersecurity risks of electronic voting systems - and the potential consequences for the legitimacy of election results and ballot integrity - remain.

Digital Tools for Accessibility

Digital tools can also be employed in other parts of the voting process to increase accessibility and reach.

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Description

Test your knowledge on voter turnout trends in European elections and the various remote voting solutions and electoral reforms. This quiz covers key statistics and measures implemented to improve voter participation in the European Parliament elections.