Reminder service targets young voters
03 March 2006
The London Borough of Lambeth has launched a new service aimed at increasing Electoral Registration and voter turnout -
Election Alarm Clock.
Election Alarm Clock is an automated email and SMS reminder service designed to ensure citizens are reminded of key dates in the election calendar. People sign up to the service at
www.electionalarmclock.com/lambeth, and are then sent a series of regular emails and text messages reminding them of the deadlines for electoral registration, postal vote registration and election day. The pilot service will operate from March until May 2006.
The service has been developed in response to recent Electoral Commission research showing that electoral registration is particularly low amongst transient voters, typically young people living in urban areas. According to this research, around 3.5 million people are not signed up to the register, and up to one in four 18 to 24 year olds are not registered in London boroughs.
The service is being piloted in Lambeth with a national version of the service available at the same time.
The project has been jointly funded by the Electoral Commission's New Initiatives Fund, and the e-democracy company Delib.
To promote the service, a web-based viral marketing campaign has been launched around a game called "
Elejumper" to drive people to the website. In addition, postcards marketing the service will be distributed at public venues around the borough.
Cllr Ashley Lumsden, Executive Member for Finance said "We've developed Election Alarm Clock as a simple way for Local Authorities to help increase electoral registration and turnout amongst hard-to-reach groups. “
Chris Quigley, Delib Director adds “Using SMS and email reminders is a really simple yet effective way of getting messages out to young people in a targeted way."
The website can be accessed by visiting:
www.electionalarmclock.com/lambeth
