Why electoral data should be open - a reuser's perspective. Presentation given at ePSI Webinar on Open Electoral Data - 11th April 2014

1. Why electoral data should be
open - a reuser's perspective
Niels Erik Kaaber Rasmussen, OKFN-DK
ePSI Webinar on Open Electoral Data - 11th April 2014

2. Why open data?
Participation &
engagement
Social &
commercial value
Transparency

3. The single most important
data set of a representative
democracy is the election
result

4. Open electoral data is essential
for any (modern) democracy
• The electoral process lies at the very
heart of representative democracy
• Elections shall be free, fair and
transparent
• Open electoral data is a prerequisite to
electoral transparency and thereby
democratic integrity

5. Use of electoral data

6. Use of electoral data
• Media reporting
• Poltical campaigns
• Increasing voter turn out
• Avoid corruption and fraud
• Research
• Democratic engagement

8. Infographics

9. Using electoral data to look for
irregularities and possible fraud

12. Barriers
• Availability
• Juridical
• Economic
• Technical
• Timing