Electoral training procedures aim to ensure that procedures are correctly and effectively followed, both for election administrations and election observers. It is essential to give voters information about the upcoming elections and the issues at stake and to persuade them of the importance of their participation. Tailor-made educational material is frequently used to address specific categories of voters. This works is done by:

The Elections and Participatory Democracy Division:

  • The division is involved in electoral co-operation, technical assistance and advice, and building the capacities of election commissions and others involved in elections in the Council of Europe’s member states. It works to raise voter awareness and get more people to participate in elections. It carries out co-operation programmes and other activities, in particular in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

The Directorate of Democratic Participation, Youth Department:

  • The department provides education and training for youth organisations through the the European Youth Centres and provides grants for national and international NGOs to support youth participation projects provided by the European Youth Foundation (EYF).

The European Commission for Democracy Through Law (Venice Commission):

  • The commission provides electoral assistance.

The Anti-Discrimination Department and Steering Committee on Anti-Discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI):

  • The department and committee provide training on elections for Roma people and aim to raise their participation. Roma political participation and civic engagement is promoted through the Roma Political Schools.

The Information Society Department:

  • The department works to raise awareness and build capacity on election security. It provides information and training through the Cyber East Project.

The Congress:

  • The Congress provides awareness raising and capacity building as part of co-operation programmes in selected countries.