If your organization has decided to utilize a voting software solution instead of undergoing the arduous process of conducting the election internally, you’re going to find myriad options, many with varying features and security protocols. With hundreds of software solutions available, the process of choosing the best fit can be overwhelming.
So, how do you get started? Well, it helps to develop a list of your organization’s voting characteristics, needs, and goals.
For example, if your members aren’t contained to a specific geographic area, you’ll need a voting method that makes it easy to cast a ballot. One potential goal would be to boost turnout 5 percent by utilizing online voting to reach all members.
Then, you’ll want to consider additional aspects, which we’ve listed below.
Service Offerings
An expert voting software service will be able to handle multiple methods of voting. Your organization will have a variety of options including online voting, mail in ballots, in-person polling, phone contests, and some combination of the four. Having access to multiple options allows you to accommodate a large membership pool in various cities, states, countries, and time zones, hopefully leading to increased turnout. Plus, offering multiple methods empowers voters to decide which approach is easiest for them.
It’s also important to ensure the software can handle each step of the process—from the nomination of candidates to their review to the tabulation of results. The more the software can manage, the less the organization will have to take on.
Another popular feature is social media integration, which enables members to announce on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter that they’ve voted. This may inspire others to participate, increasing voter engagement.
User Experience
It’s possible that a large percentage of members will vote, so you’ll need the process to be accessible to everyone. That means ensuring the voting software solution promotes a seamless experience. Find out if the company that provides the solutions walks you through the service, offers directions, and provides additional information to help you understand the software.
Security
Security should be a top priority. You want the election to be fair, accurate, and honest. Inquire about the protections a software company offers and ask how they handle data breaches, duplicate votes, and other security concerns. Reputable agencies should have an extensive security system that guarantees single votes and secret ballots are built into their software. Additionally, they should ensure data privacy and vow not to share your members’ data with third parties.
Technical Support
The day of the election is arguably the most important, which means ensuring voting goes smoothly for all members. Find out if a potential vendor provides 24/7 technical support and customer service so they can help your members cast their ballot.
Reputation
Nearly everyone checks reviews or reads case studies to better understand how the software worked on a personal level. Case studies will typically detail a challenge the organization had that the software fixed, showing you how the software could improve your upcoming election. It’s also a good idea to find out how many years the company has been in business. This can help you determine if they have the level of expertise and experience you’re looking for.
Check out YesElections’s case studies to learn more about how they’ve assisted their customers from the American Association of Justice to the NYC Department of Education in their elections. We have more than 10 years of experience conducting elections for a variety of private organizations. Our voting software solution ensures that every election runs seamlessly and securely. If you’re interested in finding out more, contact us today.
