Electronic Postal Vote Tracking System and Voter Information Platform

Tender description

The Welsh Government has a potential requirement for the design, implementation, and delivery of the following digital solutions for Senedd and local council elections in Wales: 1. An electronic postal vote tracking system. 2. A digital voter information platform. It should be noted that the Welsh Government has not reached a final decision on the introduction of these digital solutions. This early market engagement exercise is purely exploratory and does not commit the Welsh Government to future commercial activity. As part of its electoral reform programme aimed at improving democratic engagement and inclusion, the Welsh Government would like to explore the feasibility of introducing an electronic postal vote tracking system that would provide a means for electors to confirm the receipt and verification status of their postal votes. The Welsh Government is also considering the feasibility of introducing a correction procedure that would provide an opportunity for electors to correct errors on their postal voting statements that have been identified during the verification process. We would like to explore the degree to which the operation of any correction procedures could be integrated with the electronic tracking system, for example, the potential for the system to automatically trigger the issue of a replacement postal ballot pack to voters in the event that their postal vote has been rejected. In addition, we would like to explore opportunities for introducing a web-based online platform to host information for electors. The platform – www.choosemypcc.org.uk – could be used as an indication of a basic platform with functionality we would be looking to include. This system could then potentially be integrated with the electronic postal vote tracking system. Supporting documentation providing further information on the potential scope and requirements of these digital solutions can be provided on request by e-mailing ICTProcurement@gov.wales The purpose of this early market engagement exercise is to engage with potential suppliers to: - explore the feasibility and viability of the systems described; - gain a better understand of what the market might be able to deliver and further develop our thinking on the scope and form of the potential digital solutions; - identify any potential challenges associated with the introduction of these systems; and - gather information on the potential costs of developing and introducing the digital solutions. It is intended that the outcomes of this exercise will inform decisions on the viability of progressing the digital solutions described and aid the future refinement of the requirements specification if they are taken forward. It will also support the Welsh Government’s ongoing engagement with electoral stakeholders in this area.