Shaping the Future of Voting: Service Discovery for Northern Ireland Electoral Reform
As part of the UK’s Electoral Integrity Programme (EIP), Big Motive conducted a Service Discovery to adapt electoral reforms for Northern Ireland’s unique needs. Building on work in Great Britain, the project focused on tailoring services and collaborating with local administrators, with support from DLUHC.
THE PROBLEM
The ambitious programme of electoral reform required targeted exploration, research, and design to ensure successful implementation across the UK. Northern Ireland presented distinct challenges that demanded a localised approach. Our goal was to identify changes necessary to achieve EIP policy goals within this unique context and adapt proposed changes to electoral services from Great Britain to meet the specific needs of Northern Ireland citizens. Additionally, we sought to highlight gaps and opportunities in how these reforms could be applied effectively.
OUR APPROACH
To address the project’s objectives, we employed a range of research methods, ensuring findings and recommendations were comprehensive and evidence-based. These activities included:
- Qualitative research: Interviews with key project stakeholders, electoral administrators, electoral regulators, and electors provided nuanced insights into the needs and challenges faced by different user groups.
- Desk research: Analysis of current and proposed electoral services was conducted using service maps and working prototypes to assess their relevance and applicability in Northern Ireland.
- Quantitative research: A snowball-sampled survey added specificity to earlier findings, capturing a broader perspective on citizen and administrator experiences.
These activities were iterated in research cycles, allowing us to refine insights and develop a robust understanding of the unique electoral landscape in Northern Ireland.
OUTCOME
Our work delivered a suite of outputs that supported the Northern Ireland electoral reform effort and contributed to the overall EIP objectives. Key outcomes included:
- Deeper understanding: Insights into the experiences and needs of both administrators and electors in Northern Ireland.
- Targeted recommendations: Findings on digital electoral services as they apply specifically in Northern Ireland, including adaptations for:
- Online Register to Vote
- Online and Offline Application for Absent Vote
- Online and Offline Application for Electoral ID Card
- Future-focused advice: Guidance on the possible future state of electoral services in Northern Ireland, considering its unique political and administrative context.
- Detailed artefacts: Deliverables included extensive reporting, service blueprints, wireframes, and user personas to guide the next stages of service design and implementation.
By tailoring the research and recommendations to Northern Ireland, this project advanced the EIP’s vision of a more inclusive, modern, and efficient electoral system, ensuring citizens across all nations of the UK can benefit from equitable access to electoral services.
