A Guide to the Voter Handbook - Flipbook - Page 2
School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and
Innovation evaluated the impact of voter participation
programs implemented by companies in the US
ahead of the 2018 midterm elections. The efforts of
the companies analysed, including Endeavor, Gap Inc.,
Patagonia and Target, which all varied in terms of sector,
size and resources, were found to be both effective in
promoting voter participation but also carry business
benefits, such as increased employee satisfaction.
Similar studies have not yet been run in the UK. But it is
well-established that, like other Western democracies,
younger people in the UK are less likely to vote. For
example, the British Election Study shows that in age
groups where voters are most likely to be working
and less likely to have flexibility in their working
arrangements (such as 25-34 and 35-44), estimated
turnout is significantly lower (at around 60% in the last
general election), whereas those over 65, who are less
likely to be working, are most likely to vote (with an
estimated turnout of 74% in the last general election).
Similarly, young people are less likely to be registered to
vote – an Electoral Commission report from 2023 shows
that 74% of 25-34 year olds were registered to vote in
2022 in Great Britain as opposed to 96% of those aged
65 or above. This suggests that effective corporate voter
engagement activities could help increase historically
lower voter turnout amongst age groups more likely to
contain working people.
Is the Handbook campaigning
or ‘lobbying’ for a particular
party or candidate or does it
trigger electoral rules?
In line with the purpose described
above, the Employee Handbook is
neutral, non-partisan and impartial
in tone and content. It does not
advocate for one or more political
parties, candidates or political
philosophies. This is one of the
reasons why sharing the handbook
alone would not be an activity
regulated by electoral law.
What else can employers do?
The Handbook is designed to provide
employees with more information
about how to vote but there are many
other actions employers can adopt
to encourage voter participation
amongst employees, such as:
�
Offering flexible working
arrangements, such as reduced or
revised hours, on election day.
�
Providing paid time to vote.
�
Sending reminder emails on or
close to election day.
�
Offering childcare support on
election day.
�
Holding a voter registration drive.
For election resources,
training and support
please visit:
www.hoganlovells.com
© Hogan Lovells 2024. All rights reserved. BT-REQ-2507
democracyclassroom.
com/employers
