Identity
guidelines
These identity guidelines are designed to help you understand
the Electoral Commission brand positioning and attributes, and
how they are expressed through the corporate identity. By following
them, you will play an integral part in building and maintaining the
Electoral Commission’s reputation as an independent authority.
Contents
Introduction
2. Typography and
Who we are and how we
imagery
present ourselves
2.1
Typography
2.2
Imagery
Our descriptions, aim and
2.3
Iconography
objectives
3. Commission
Our brand positioning and
attributes
publications
3.1
Public awareness
1. Logos and straplines
materials
1.1
Colours
3.2
Report covers
1.2
Logo and strapline variants 3.3
Rules for cover layout
1.3
The logo and strapline
3.4
Structuring reports
families
3.5
Text elements
1.4
Applying the logos
3.6
Tables and figures
1.5
Applying the straplines
3.7
Print specifications
1.6
Universal grid
4. Contact details
4.1
Corporate
Communication team
Introduction
Who we are and how we
What is the Electoral
Our identity
present ourselves
Commission?
The way our organisation looks
We are an independent body set
is a direct reflection of what we
up by the UK Parliament. Our
stand for and our ambitions for
aim is integrity and public
the future. In order that our
confidence in the democratic
message remains clear and
process. We regulate party and
unambiguous, our identity needs
election finance and set
to be managed properly.
standards for well-run elections.
For this to happen, each of
the basic elements which create
our visual identity must be
protected. These identity
guidelines give you the
information you need to
understand our identity and
how it should be used. Always
refer to them when working on
Commission reports and other
professionally typeset
publications publications.
Our descriptions, aim
Organisation description
Aim and objectives
and objectives
Standard version
Aim
We are an independent body
Integrity and public confidence
set up by the UK Parliament.
in the UK's democratic process
Our aim is integrity and public
confidence in the democratic
Objectives
process. We regulate party
We focus our activities
and election finance and set
and resources to achieve:
standards for well-run elections.
Objective 1 – Transparency
Expanded version
and integrity in party and
election finance
We are an independent body set
up by the UK Parliament. Our
Objective 2 – Well-run
aim is integrity and public
elections, referendums, and
confidence in the democratic
electoral registration
process, we:
• register political parties
• make sure people understand
and follow the rules on party
and election finance
• publish details of where
parties and candidates get
money from and how they
spend it
• set the standards for running
elections and report on how
well this is done
• make sure people understand
it is important to register to
vote, and know how to vote
Our brand positioning
Democracy matters
We are:
and attributes
Democracy is the basis of our
• approachable and
society. We protect our political
communicative
and social foundations by
protecting a free and fair
• proactive, innovative and
electoral process. We serve
authoritative
voters by encouraging full
• impartial and independent
participation in the process.
• trustworthy and have integrity
Indepedent yet interdependent,
we are a vital element in
protecting the way of life of
the nation.
1.0
Logos and
straplines
1.1
The primary colour palette is
As a guideline, the colours
Colours
derived from the Electoral
should be applied in the
Commission logo. It consists of
following order: first white
Colour is key to our
EC dark blue and EC light blue
space; then one or both primary
visual identity. It instantly
and needs to form the basis of
colours; then, if required, a
adds impact, but more
all applications. Tints of primary
highlight colour and/or a neutral.
colours may be used for
importantly, consistent use
background colour, panels,
For examples of the colour
of specific colours creates
charts and diagrams, and to
combinations in operation,
ownership and builds
complement a solid colour.
see section 3.
powerful associations
Recommended percentages
have been specified opposite
The use of highlight colours is
with our organisations.
to provide sufficient contrast
optional and they have no fixed
between different percentages
relationship with any particular
of tints.
activity or sub division of the
Electoral Commission.
Although not a specified colour,
white plays a key role in creating
Where primary colours are used
clarity and breathing space
with highlight colours, do not tint
across all applications. White
the primary colours.
represents the transparency that
Primary colours should not
is key to the Commission’s aims.
overlay highlight colours. For
The use of white ensures
example, it would be incorrect
communications are clear,
to use EC dark blue over an
compelling and uncluttered;
orange highlight background.
for example, using an area to
hold the logo on the front cover
When it is not possible to print
of literature.
a special PANTONE colour,
use the table – see opposite
A set of highlight colours have
for the recommended cyan,
been developed as an extension
magenta, yellow and black
of our corporate colour palette.
(CMYK) breakdowns. Always use
They have been chosen to
correct specification to achieve
complement our corporate
the most accurate match.
colours not to replace or work
against them. Only one of these
Red, green and blue (RGB)
colours should be used per
values specify colours for
application. Do not use tints of
screen-based applications.
highlight colours. Their use with
The Natural Colour System
typography should be limited
(NCS) and RAL are the colour
to headings. They should
references used when specifying
not appear in body copy.
colours for paint or vinyl.
The neutral colour palette has
It is important to always use
been carefully considered and
the relevant matching system
developed to complement the
to ensure consistency of colour
primary palette. These neutral
across different applications.
colours may be used effectively
as solid backgrounds to
give greater impact to
communications material.
Primary colour palette
Primary colour palette colour breakdowns
EC dark blue
75%
50%
25%
Pantone
RGB
NCS
540 (U)
R000 G051 B102
S 5540-R90B
CMY K
Hexidecimal
RAL
C100 M47 Y0 K47
00 33 66
5003
EC light blue
75%
50%
25%
Pantone
RGB
NCS
632 (U)
R000 G153 B204
S 2055-B10G
CMYK
Hexidecimal
RAL
C76 M0 Y15 K11
00 99 CC
5012
EC white
Pantone
RGB
NCS
White
R255 G255 B255
S 0500-N
CMYK
Hexidecimal
RAL
C0 M0 Y0 K0
00 00 00
9010
Highlight colour palette
Highlight colour palette colour breakdowns
EC magenta
Pantone
RGB
226 (U)
R204 G000 B102
CMY K
Hexidecimal
C5 M100 Y10 K0
CC 00 66
EC orange
Pantone
RGB
165 (U)
R255 G99 B25
CMYK
Hexidecimal
C0 M72 Y100 K0
FF 63 19
EC green
Pantone
RGB
376 (U)
R122 G184 B0
CMYK
Hexidecimal
The colours shown
C59 M0 Y100 K0
7A B8 00
throughout these
guidelines have not
EC purple
Pantone
RGB
814 (U)
R134 G113 B172
been evaluated by
Pantone, Inc for
CMYK
Hexidecimal
accuracy and may
C73 M77 Y2 K0
86 71 AC
not match the
PANTONE Color
EC lime green
Pantone
RGB
Standards. Consult
809 (U)
R225 G228 B0
current PANTONE
CMYK
Hexidecimal
Publications for
C18 M3 Y90 K0
E1 E4 00
accurate color.
PANTONE is the
property of Pantone,
Inc.
Neutral colour palette
Neutral colour palette colour breakdowns
EC brown
Pantone
RGB
NCS
75%
50%
25%
The PANTONE
Black 4 (U)
R051 G051 B051
S 8010-Y50R
MATCHING
CMYK
Hexidecimal
RAL
SYSTEM is a
C0 M28 Y91 K100
33 33 33
8014
worldwide printing,
publishing and
EC light grey
Pantone
RGB
NCS
packaging color
75%
50%
25%
Warm Gray 2 (U)
R204 G204 B204
S 1502-Y
language for the
selection, marketing
CMYK
Hexidecimal
RAL
and control of
C0 M6 Y6 K12
CC CC CC
9018
colour.
The Electoral Commission logo
The Welsh Electoral Commission logo
The Boundary Committee for England logo
The Electoral Commission logo
The Welsh Electoral Commission logo
The Boundary Committee for England logo
1.2
Logo variants
B – Black logo
Logo and strapline
Each of the logos is available in
The black logo may be used for
variants
multiple versions for different
laser printed output, e.g. fax and
purposes.
low resolution print (press
Each of the logos and
advertising).
straplines comes in
A – Colour logo
C – White logo
different colour versions
The colour logo can be
to allow them to be
reproduced from two Pantone
The white logo may be used
colours or from process colour
adapted to a variety of
A
o : Colour logo
n colour or photographic
B: Colour logo, reversed out
(CMYK) breakdowns for printed
backgrounds. It should also be
purposes.
Available in spot colour, CMYK or RGB
Available in spot colour, CMYK or RGB
media. The logo has also been
used where legibility of the
created in RGB for screen-based
full-colour logo could be
applications, such as PowerPoint..
compromised.
A: Colour logo
B: Colour logo, reversed out
Available in spot colour, CMYK or RGB
Available in spot colour, CMYK or RGB
A – Colour logo
B – Black logo
Available in spot colour, CMYK or RGB
Available in CMYK or RGB
The Electoral Commission logo
The Welsh Electoral Commission logo
The Boundary Committee for England logo
C: Black logo
D: White logo
Available in CMYK or RGB
Available in CMYK or RGB
C – White logo
Available in CMYK or RGB
C: Black logo
D: White logo
Available in CMYK or RGB
Available in CMYK or RGB
Strapline variants
The straplines are available in
two colours for use on different
A: Colour logo
B: Colour logo, reversed out
Available in spot colour, CMYK or RGB
Available in spot colour, CMYK or RGB
backgrounds.
A – Colour strapline
B – White strapline
The colour (EC dark blue)
The white strapline may be used
strapline can be reproduced from
on colour or photographic
a Pantone colour or from process
backgrounds. It should also
colour (CMYK) breakdowns for
be used where legibility of the
use on white or light
full-colour strapline could be
backgrounds.
compromised.
C: Black logo
D: White logo
Available in CMYK or RGB
Available in CMYK or RGB
A – Colour strapline
B – White strapline
Available in spot colour or CMYK
Available in CMYK
1.3
The logo and strapline families
If using multiple logos, such as
The logo and
are based on the primary
on bilingual materials, always
corporate colour palette. The
ensure that all logos receive
strapline families
lettering has been created from
equal treatment, and none is
The Electoral
specially drawn characters,
larger or more prominent than
Commission logo, the
which have been carefully
any other.
aligned with one another. The
Boundary Committee for
relationship between the
Please note that separate
England logo and the
lettering is fixed and should
branding guidelines apply for
‘Democracy matters’
never be manipulated or
materials co-branded with other
organisations. These should
strapline are central to
adjusted. Do not attempt to
re-create the lettering or adjust
be consulted whenever such
the visual identity.
their alignment. Always use the
materials are being produced.
master artwork provided when
Each logo and strapline
reproducing a logo or strapline.
not only identifies the
organisation, it also
represents everything the
organisation stands for.
The Electoral Commission logo
The Welsh Electoral Commission logo
The Scottish Gaelic Electoral
Commission logo
The ‘Democracy matters’ strapline
The Welsh ‘Democracy matters’ strapline
1.4
Standard logo sizes have been
Always scale the logos using
Applying the logos
created for use with different
the master artwork. Do not
page formats. Always use logos
manipulate or alter them in
To maximise the
at the correct size for the
any way.
impact of our logos, they
relevant format.
should always appear
Wherever possible, logos
All A4 formats use the logos at
should appear in the top right-
prominently and legibly.
60% (30mm high for Electoral
hand corner in all applications.
Commission logos, 40mm high
They should be placed
for the Boundary Committee
equidistant from the top and
logo), while larger documents,
right-hand edges. However, on
such as A3 newsletters, use the
certain applications such as
logos at 80% (40mm and 50mm
above the line advertising it
high, respectively). The
maybe necessary for logos
minimum size the logos are to
to appear in the bottom right
be used is 30% (15mm and
hand corner. No other position
20mm high, respectively).
is allowed.
The clear space zone is
measured using multiples of
the height of the ‘n’ of
‘Commission’. This space has
been included as a non-printing
element in all digital master
40mm high
40mm high
artwork. Never put any other
graphic element or text within
this space. This is the minimum
distance logos should be placed
from the edge of a page.
80% (40mm high) for use
To maximise the legibility of the
80% (40mm high) for use on A3 materials
on A3 materials
logo on second party material, a
larger clear space zone should
be used. See example below.
60% (30mm high) for use
30% (15mm high) for minimum use
40% (20mm high) for use
60% (30mm high) for use
30% (15mm high) for minimum use
40% (20mm high) for use
on A4 materials
on A5 materials
on A4 materials
on A5 materials
Please note
Minimum clear space zone
Increased clear space zone,
Please note
Minimum clear space zone
Increased clear space zone,
The keyline letter ‘n’ denotes
for use on second party materials,
The keyline letter ‘n’ denotes
for use on second party materials,
the minimum clear space;
e.g. advertising campaigns
the minimum clear space;
e.g. advertising campaigns
they do not print.
they do not print.
1.5
Standard strapline sizes have
Wherever possible, the
Applying the straplines
been created for use with
straplines should appear in the
different page formats. Always
bottom left-hand corner in all
To maximise the
use straplines at the correct size
applications. They should be
impact of the
for the relevant format.
placed equidistant from the
‘Democracy matters’
bottom and left-hand edges.
All A4 formats use the straplines
If placed in another corner, they
strapline, it should
at 60%, while larger documents,
should still be equidistant from
always appear
such as A3 newsletters, use the
the nearest two edges.
prominently and legibly.
straplines at 80%. A5 formats
should use the strapline at 40%
The clear space zone is
These sizes are such that the
measured using multiples of the
English-language strapline should
height of the ‘e’ of ‘Democracy’.
appear at the same width as the
This space has been included
word ‘Commission’ of the logo,
as a non-printing element in all
as shown below. Welsh materials
digital master artwork. Never put
should also use the strapline at
any other graphic element or text
the same percentages, but the
within this space. This is the
‘same width’ rule will not apply as
minimum distance the logos
the Welsh strapline is wider than
should be placed from the
the English.
edge of a page.
80% for use on A3 materials
60% for use on A4 materials
40% for use on A5 materials
e
e
e
e
Minimum clear space zone
The logo and strapline should be presented at
The Welsh logo and strapline should be presented at
the same percentage – thus the same width
the same percentage
1.6
Constructing the grid
format adjust the margins
Universal grid
The grid has been set up for A4
accordingly but retain the six
portrait formats, as illustrated, but column 5mm gutter, within reason.
To maintain a consistent
it may be adapted for larger or
visual style across all
smaller publications, as required. On literature covers, posters,
publications, a standard
stationery and other applications,
Begin by establishing the margins the logo always appears in the
layout grid has been
for the document, making careful
top right-hand corner of the page,
developed. All literature
reference to the example illustrated and the strapline in the bottom
design is based on the
below. Divide the remaining text
left-hand corner of the page, as
illustrated.
same grid, providing
area into six columns with a
consistent gutter width of 5mm.
consistency for
All dimensions are in millimetres.
positioning the logo,
The grid below is established for
The examples are not shown at
actual size.
text and imagery.
an A4 portrait format. When
creating documents outside this
10
27.5
5
27.5
5
27.5
5
27.5
5
27.5
5
27.5
10
0
1
0
1
7
7
2
0
1
DL examples
Logo positioning
2.
2 0
.
Typography
and imagery
2.1
Swiss 721 Lt BT
See below for examples of
Typography
This weight is open and inviting.
type style as it relates to
Commission reports.
The Electoral
Use it at large sizes for display
headlines, cover titles and page
Commission’s corporate
headings. It is also used at 12pt
Important: All Commission
typeface is Swiss 721
size for body text.
publications should conform to
the Royal National Institute of the
(Bitstream). It is a
Swiss 721 BT
Blind’s accessibility guidelines, to
versatile sans serif
Swiss 721 BT should be used
help ensure that our materials are
typeface that is both
when you require a bold
usable by partially sighted
appearance.
people. This means that no text,
functional and distinctive
except for footnotes, headers and
– it is highly legible,
Swiss 721 Md BT
footers, should be smaller than
economical with space
Swiss 721 Md BT should be used
12pt. (Captions in this document
to create an additional level of bold
and lends impact
are also smaller than 12pt, but
for items requiring further emphasis Commission publications do not
to any communication.
than Swiss 721 BT; for example in
generally use these.)
headings, where more design
flexibility is required.
Screen-based font
Arial is used for digital
The Swiss 721 family is available
communications requirements,
global y for PC and Macintosh
including email, webpages and
systems. Note that the Commission PowerPoint presentations.
is not licensed to provide the font
family to suppliers.
Specific and detailed usage is
outlined in electronic templates
provided by IT.
Chapter head type style
is Swiss 721 Lt BT, 52pt
The type style for
The type style for A-heads 12pt, with a 0.25pt rule beneath,
introduction text is
is Swiss 721 Lt BT, 16pt
offset at 1.75 mm.
Swiss 721 Lt BT, 16pt.
The type style for body text is
C-head goes here
Swiss 721 Lt BT, 12pt. Type is
Type is ranged left with
As shown above, the type style
ranged left with ragged line
ragged line endings.
for C-heads is Swiss 721 BT, 12pt.
endings. Bold text should be in
Unlike the other headings, it
Allow a line space
Swiss 721 BT. Allow a line
should be in dark blue, not light blue.
between paragraphs.
space between paragraphs.
It is important the heading
Design style is clear and open
hierarchy be clear and logical, and
combining the use of subtle,
presented consistently throughout
sophisticated typography with the the document to aid navigation.
Commission’s primary, highlight
and neutral colour palettes.
Further detail on type styles,
including for bulleted text, boxed
B-head goes here
text, footnotes, etc., can be
As shown above, the type style
found in section 3.3 and our
for B-heads is Swiss 721 Lt BT,
document templates.
2.2
Imagery content
Environments should be relevant
Imagery
The content of photographs
and look contemporary and
smart. Use natural lighting
Imagery is an integral
should reflect a simple theme
inspired by the brand positioning
wherever possible and try to
part of the Commission’s
‘Democracy matters’: ‘Real lives,
capture colours that reflect the
visual identity. It is used to real people, captured in real
Commission’s colour palettes.
inform the Commission’s
situations’. Imagery should
The colour match does not need
varied audiences and
reflect intelligent concepts, taken
to be exact or overt; subtle tints
from a unique point of view,
reflect the benefits of its
and details of colour can give an
angle or perspective.
overall look and feel that
work in the community
Imagery style
enhances the visual personality.
and its environment. The
The style of imagery should
style of imagery used
Photos must be a minimum of
support and reflect the
300dpi and large enough for A4
can influence the way
Commission’s brand attributes.
format. Examples of our imagery
we are perceived and
Imagery should represent real
are shown below.
distinguish us from others situations in a direct and
uncomplicated manner.
in our field.
2.3
When creating these icons it is
Icons are created at a minimum
Iconography
important to remember that the
size of 10mm, where the
audience will need to recognise
medium keyline weight is 1pt.
Symbols and icons are
them instantly.
When scaling up smaller icons,
an important part of our
attention should be given to the
visual identity. We use
Consideration must be given to
proportionate size of keylines
them throughout our
people with learning difficulties,
and stroke weights.
people with English as a second
communications to
language and people with visual
Our icons can also be used as
simplify information or
impairment.
an illustration style, for example
to clarify particular
on a poster or cover design.
instructions. Icons can
A maximum of four levels of
When icons are used at a large
stroke weight are used in each
size they do not need to be
also be used to explain
icon: heavy, medium, light and
contained within a circle.
a process or to highlight
extra light. As a general rule,
a particular heading or
icon corners should always
For examples of the icons in
paragraph.
appear rounded and the icon’s
use, see section 3.
main lines should be the same
thickness as the bounding circle.
3.0
Commission
publications
3.1
This example shows how our
equidistant from the top and
Public awareness
icons and colour palette can be
right-hand edges (see sections
used to display information on
1.4 and 1.6). The magenta
materials
our posters. The typeface used
highlight colour is used to link
Examples of colour and
is Swiss 721 Lt BT and text
the icons with the titles,
iconography in use
should be left aligned as shown
emphasising the three
here. The use of white space
instructions: Receive, Reply
creates clarity and ensures
and Vote.
greater emphasis of the colours
used in the text and on the
icons. The logo should always
appear in the top right-hand
corner and should be placed
Look out for
your right to vote
Receive
An electoral registration
form will be delivered
to your home between
August and October.
Reply
Make sure the details are
correct and post it back.
Vote
Or you may lose your
right to vote.
The examples below show how
orange highlight colour is used to
our icons and colour palette can
complement the corporate
be used effectively across our
colours and to add emphasis to
leaflets.
headings throughout the leaflet.
The first example shows icons
The second example shows
used as a front cover illustration
the use of icons to indicate
and within the leaflet to break
progression through a process.
up the text and explain the
Again, an icon is used outside
registration process. A white area
the circle on the front page.
is used to hold the logo on the
The white area on the front cover
front cover and to create clarity
ensures the message is clear
within the leaflet (see section 1.6
and compelling. The icons used
for exact specification). The icon
throughout are linked with
on the front cover is used at a
numbers, the circles creating
large size so does not need to be
a visual link and simplifying
enclosed within a circle. The EC
the process.
3.2
Cover formats
full-colour. The image should
Report covers
Reports carry a single image on
cover the whole cover except for
the white bar at the top.
All report covers are
the front cover. There are two
types of front cover, Glossy
based on the same grid,
Word report covers
report covers and Word report
providing guides for
covers. Templates exist for both.
Word report covers are used for
positioning the logo,
low- to middle-profile
Glossy report covers
publications. They are typeset in
text and imagery.
Glossy report covers are used for
Quark and printed in two
high-profile publications which
PANTONE colours (EC light blue
are typeset in Quark throughout.
and EC dark blue). They carry a
Glossy report covers are also
single duotone image (white and
typeset in Quark and are printed
EC dark blue). This image
should be placed in the middle
of the cover and should not
bleed to the edges.
Note that the name ‘Word report
cover’ refers to the text pages
of the report being set in Word,
May 2008
not the software used for the
cover itself.
Baseline performance
information – electoral
registration in Great Britain
Initial analysis
Examples of a Word report
cover (above) and a Glossy
report cover (right). These are
not shown actual size.
3.3
Front covers and spines
Inside and back covers
The inside and back covers
Rules for cover layout
Glossy report covers
should be presented in the
The following guidelines
For Glossy report covers, the
same way on both Glossy and
should be followed when
text sizes to use are:
Word report covers.
laying out a cover,
• title in 64pt font
The inside cover must carry all
including inside and
the following information in EC
• subtitle in 29pt font
dark blue in the bottom left:
back covers.
• date of publication in 18pt font
• Translations and other
All text should be in either white
formats…text and contact
or EC dark blue. If the cover
details (16pt)
image allows it, the report title
• copyright information
should appear at the foot of the
page, rather than at the top.
The inside back cover must
carry contact details of all our
Word report covers
offices in EC dark blue in the
For Word report covers, the text
bottom right.
sizes to use are:
The back cover should be a field
• title in 48pt font
of EC dark blue and carry the
• subtitle in 30pt font
following information in white in
the bottom left:
• date of publication in 16pt font
• We are an independent
All text should be in EC dark
body…text
blue.
• Democracy matters
Rules that apply to both Glossy
• address and contact details of
and Word report covers
our Head Office and text
For both types of cover, the
directing the reader to the
Commission logo should be
inside back cover for contact
placed in the top right, at a
details of our other offices.
consistent size (60%, 30mm
high for A4 reports).
Note that back covers should no
longer carry our logo.
Reports of more than 80pp will
Examples of inside and back
need to be perfect bound and
covers are shown on the
require a spine. This must give
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How to contact us
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© The Electoral Commission 2008
The Electoral Commission
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London SW1P 2HW
Tel
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Fax 020 7271 0505
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To contact our offices in Scotland, Wales,
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see inside back cover for details.
We are an independent body set up by
the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and
public confidence in the democratic process.
We regulate party and election finance and
set standards for well-run elections.
Democracy matters
3.4
Contents page
etc.) and this should be reflected
Structuring reports
Chapter heads are displayed
in the contents page.
All reports follow a
and numbered in the
Chapters must begin with a
Commission’s light blue;
standard stucture, which
pullout paragraph – this should
A-heads are displayed in dark
determines the ordering
follow the same rules as with the
blue. No levels of heading below
pullouts for the preface and
and format of the
A-heads are displayed.
summary.
Information is given in two-
different sections.
column format. Ensure that
Paragraphs within chapters
A-heads are not orphaned from
should be numbered (see
the chapter heads between
Numbering below).
columns.
Verso pages
Where text carries over onto a
New chapters must not begin on
second line (or more), align the
a verso (left-hand page). Where
number on the bottom line.
the verso preceding a new
Appendix titles are given in full
chapter is blank, a full-page
as A-heads.
image in a dark blue duotone
List of tables and figures,
must be inserted.
acknowledgements,
Appendices
preface and summary
The initial appendix must start
These sections of a publication
on a recto, but subsequent
are not numbered chapters.
appendices can start on versos.
They come between the
Appendix A, B, C, etc. must
contents page and the first
appear as the main (chapter)
chapter and must start on a
heading, in 52pt font size and in
recto (right-hand page). All
the Commission’s light blue. If
reports have a summary
there is a subtitle, this must
(formerly executive summary),
appear below the chapter
but the other sections are
heading in 31pt font size, also in
optional. If the report has a
light blue. Headings should then
preface, use an image of the
follow the usual style (A-head, B-
person who wrote the preface
head, C-head).
for the opposite page.
There is no need for a pullout
The preface and summary must
paragraph. Paragraphs are not
start with a pullout paragraph, to
numbered in appendices.
appear in 16pt font size and in
the Commission’s light blue.
Footers take the following form –
This paragraph should fit into
title of report: appendix letter. If
the first column of the first page.
there is a subtitle, this is not
No body text should be placed
included in the footer. For
below it. It should not flow into
example:
the second column. If footnotes
are cited in the pullout
Compulsory voting around the
paragraph, they can appear at
world: appendix A
the foot of the column.
Chapters
Samples of the contents
page, summary and chapter
New chapters must start on a
first page styles are shown
recto. Chapters must be
on the following pages.
numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3,
Sample contents page
1
Contents
No headings within the summary are listed
Preface
3
Electoral identification
25
Polling agents
26
Summary
5
The voter experience
27
Integrity of the voting process –
1 The elections in context
9
perceptions of electoral fraud
28
Remit of the Electoral Commission
9
Policing
28
Elections in the UK
10
Scope of the report
10
4 The count
29
Sources used to inform the report
10
Number of votes cast
29
Results
29
2 Preparing for polling day
13
Media access
30
The announcement of the elections
13
Proposed move to electronic counting
30
Elections steering group
13
New legislation
14
Appendices
Legal challenges
14
Appendix A – Electoral administration
The relevant register
15
in Northern Ireland
31
Support to candidates, agents and
Appendix B – Election funding
32
political parties
15
Appendix C – Statistics
33
Training for poll staff
16
New political parties
16
Each appendix is listed at the same
Nominations
17
level as A-head within chapters. No
Freepost
19
headings within appendices are listed.
Party election broadcasts
19
Postal voting
20
Campaign issues
22
Voter information
22
3 Polling day
23
Polling stations
23
Observers
23
Polling staff
24
Complaints received
24
Access
24
Information on estimated turnout
Contents pages do not have footers
during polling day
24
Sample first page of summary
5
Summary
Elections in Northern Ireland
Background
have undergone a considerable
As in 2003, planning for the 2007 Northern Ireland
transformation in the last few years.
Assembly elections took place against the
backdrop of some uncertainty in the political
Electoral administration was
process. Improvements in electoral administration
fundamentally changed by the
are reflected in the voters’ experience where nine
introduction of the Electoral Fraud
in 10 (90%) of those interviewed in our post-
Act in 2002, which introduced
election public opinion survey said they were
either very or fairly satisfied with their overall
individual registration and
experience of the elections. These positive views
requirements for photographic
were endorsed by the political parties, candidates,
identification at polling stations.
representatives of civic society and the media,
none of whom raised any significant issues of
These changes have formed the
concern with the Commission.
bedrock for increased confidence
in the electoral system, which is
Electoral Administration Act 2006
seen in a more accurate and robust
Future elections in Northern Ireland will benefit
from the introduction of the Electoral
electoral register and elections
Administration Act 2006, which was not
largely free from allegations of
introduced in Northern Ireland in time for the
fraud. This in turn has enabled the
March elections. The Northern Ireland Office
Chief Electoral Officer to focus on
plans to commence the provisions of the Act for
UK Parliamentary general elections before the
further improving the quality of
Parliamentary recess in summer 2007, after which
electoral administration.
the provisions will be applied to Northern Ireland
Assembly and local government elections. The
provisions include allowing people to register to
Paragraphs in summaries and prefaces
vote up to 11 days before polling day and will
are not numbered
introduce changes to political party descriptions.
The May 2007 elections in England, Scotland and
Wales have provided important learning points
on the application of the Act in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Assembly elections 2007: summary
Sample first page of chapter
28
3 Compulsory voting
systems
This chapter looks in more detail at
Overview
how compulsory voting systems
3.1 As we have already seen, a number of
operate in a selection of countries
countries around the world operate compulsory
voting systems but there is considerable
around the world. It reviews the
variation among these in terms of the level of
sanctions used by different
enforcement applied. International IDEA
countries and the provisions, if any,
reports, ‘Some laws are created to merely state
for ‘positive abstention’.
the government’s position regarding what the
citizen’s responsibility should be. Mandatory
voting laws that do not include sanctions may
fall into this category… not all laws are created
to be enforced.’ Consequently, to truly
understand the extent to which compulsory
voting is actually practised, it is important to
consider the level of enforcement.25 In this
chapter we look at the nature of the systems,
and their sanctions, on a country-by-country
basis.
3.2 Sanctions range from penalty fines in
Australia, Cyprus and Chile, to prohibition from
making banking or other public administrative
transactions for three months, allied to financial
penalties, in Peru. In Singapore, non-voters risk
removal from the electoral register. In Brazil,
they might be barred from taking professional
examinations, receiving wages, or renewing
enrolment in official schools or universities
(inspected by government), while in Cyprus
they could potentially serve jail sentences.
25 M. Gratschew,
Voter turnout in Western Europe:
Compulsory voting in Western Europe (International
IDEA, 2004).
Compulsory voting around the world: compulsory voting systems
3.5
Numbering
Headers and footers
Text elements
Chapters are numbered 1, 2, 3,
The only headers used in
Numbering, footnotes,
etc. and appendices are labelled
standard Commission reports are
A, B, C, etc.
page numbers. These must be
headers and footers, etc.
placed in the top outside corner of
all follow a consistent
The preface and summary do not
a page (top left on versos; top
format.
take any numbering, either chapter
right on rectos) and must be dark
or paragraph. Pul out paragraphs
blue and in 52pt font size. Pages
do not take a paragraph number.
consisting of ful -page images
Appendices do not take any
should not show a page number,
paragraph numbering.
although they do count as part of
the numbering. Blank pages at
The first plain-text paragraph of a
the end of a report (making up a
new chapter must be the first
workable (x4) page extent) should
numbered paragraph. Paragraph
not have page numbers.
numbering is consecutive and
takes the form of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
Footers take the following form –
etc. Paragraph numbering
title of report: chapter title. If there
follows chapter numbering – if
is a subtitle, this is not included in
the paragraphs are in the second
the footer. For example:
chapter, for example, they will be
numbered: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc.
Compulsory voting around the
Paragraph numbers must not go
world: background
down to a further level (i.e. 2.1.1).
Please note the use of capitals –
Paragraph numbers should be in
lower case letters follow the colon
the Commission’s dark blue and
(unless it is a proper noun).
bold, and followed by a single
Footers should be placed in the
space.
bottom outside corner of a page
(bottom left on versos; bottom
Headings do not take numbers –
right on rectos).
the numbers should be attached
to the paragraphs themselves.
Boxed text
Boxed text does not take a
Boxed text is used for stand-
paragraph number.
alone points, short summaries or
recommendations. There are
Bulleted lists
two types – the light blue
Bulleted lists must be left aligned
shaded box is used for current
with no indent. There must be a
recommendations and a light
space in between each item.
blue outlined box is used for
past or future recommendations.
Footnotes
Paragraph numbers are not
Footnotes can be used for both
used and text within the boxes
references and general notes on
remains in dark blue, 12pt size.
the text. They are cited in the text
by consecutive superscript
References
numbers. The note must appear
For most reports, references will
at the foot of the column in
be relatively few and will be
which it has been cited (even if
placed in footnotes. Occasionally,
the citation is in a pullout
however, references will be cited
paragraph) underneath a key-
in the text – e.g. (Williamson,
line and must be marked with
2006) – and given in full in a
the relevant superscript number.
separate references section
These must end with a full stop.
before the appendices.
Tables and figures must be
For example:
3.6
presented as shown in the
Tables and figures
examples below. Where they
Table 1: Summary of compulsory
Tables and figures follow
require titles, these must be given
voting systems and their
a consistent,
as Table 1, 2, 3, etc. and Figure 1,
sanctions
2, 3, etc. and must be separated
straightforward format.
from the heading by a colon.
Tables and figures in
appendices must be labelled
Table/Figure A1, A2, A3, etc.
within Appendix A, Table/Figure
Figure 1: What evidence can the Commission
B1, B2, B3, etc. within Appendix
use to understand community identity?
B, and so on.
Base, note or source material (to
8%
appear in this order) must be in
12pt font size and appear below
the table or figure. ‘Total’ lines
should be presented in bold type.
25%
63%
Where figures are given to one or
more decimal place, they should
be aligned on the decimal point.
4%
The use of public facilities in identifying
Table 4: Cost of administering the 2001 local
community identity is advocated, but it
government elections in Northern Ireland
cannot be considered in isolation.
Expenditure type
Cost (£)
Total
Clearer guidance on what public facilities
(%)
can be used and some indication of a
Postage (‘freepost’)
810,479
54
hierarchy or weighting would be welcomed.
Staff costs
364,085
24
Public facilities are not a good indicator of
Printing and stationery
303,806
20
community identity – factors such as the
Postal votes
33,913
2
opinions of local people, historic factors and
Other costs
2,157
<1
transport links are more important.
Total
1,514,442
100
Other comments/opinions.
Source: EONI.
Table 1: Focus group structure
Gender
Age
Socio-
Religion
Voter/
Location
Constituency
economic
non-voter
group
Male
25–44
ABC1*
Catholic
Voter
Urban
Belfast North
Female
18–24
C2DE**
Protestant
Non-voter â€
Rural
Belfast North
Female
45+
C2DE
Protestant
Voter
Rural
West Tyrone
Male
25–44
ABC1
Catholic
Voter
Rural
West Tyrone
Female
45+
C2DE
Catholic
Voter
Rural
East
Londonderry
Notes: * ABC1 = managers, administrators, professionals and clerical workers.
** C2DE = skilled and unskilled manual workers, those on long-term benefit and the retired
drawing a state pension.
†Group included two to three non-registered participants.
3.7
Reports
Manuals
Print specifications
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Large ring-binders with four-
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Text pages and dividers
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4.0
Contact details
4.1
The Corporate Communication
Corinne Leong
Corporate
team is based at the Electoral
Corporate Communication
Commission’s Head Office:
Manager
Communication team
Tel
020 7271 0532
If you have any
The Electoral Commission
Fax
020 7271 0528
questions, please
Trevelyan House
cleong@
Great Peter Street
electoralcommission.org.uk
contact a member of
London SW1P 2HW
the Corporate
Jessica Bishop
Communication team.
www.electoralcommission.org.uk
Senior Corporate
Communication Officer
(Publications and
Branding)
Tel
020 7271 0536
Fax
020 7271 0528
jbishop@
electoralcommission.org.uk
Lisa Tolliday
Corporate Communication
Officer (Publications and
Branding)
Tel
020 7271 0535
Fax
020 7271 0528
ltolliday@
electoralcommission.org.uk
