SMS Voting

Discover the benefits of mobile phone voting

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Benefits of SMS Voting

SMS voting is our second most popular option with voters because it is quick and easy. Voters can send their voting preference to a mobile number, then get a reply text to confirm that their vote is lodged. Our mobile phone voting service is automated and optimised for voters in Australia.

  • Authenticated

    Voter authentication helps to minimise fraud and maximise trust in the result. Learn more

  • Secret

    The SMS voting process is automated so voter preferences remain anonymous. Learn more

  • Flexible

    Voters can lodge their vote anywhere they have mobile reception, at anytime during the ballot.

  • SMS Communications

    We can also send voting information by text, so all voters need to do is reply to our message to vote.

  • Accurate

    Votes are automatically counted in real time. System rules prevent invalid or multiple votes.

  • Receipt by SMS

    Once the vote has been successfully submitted a receipt SMS is sent back to the voter.

  • Cost effective

    There are no expensive postage, material or handling costs associated with SMS voting.

  • Easy to use

    Voting only takes a minute using our mobile phone voting service.

How SMS Voting Works

Mobile Phone Voting works best for one question ballots, like a vote on an enterprise agreement. The process is completely automated. To lodge an SMS vote, voters must send a text message in a specific format to a dedicated mobile number.

SMS voting examples messages

Step 1: Replying to an SMS message

If replying to an SMS Voting Instruction from GoVote:

  • Reply to the message with either yes or no

Alternatively:

Create a new text message on their mobile phone and enter:

  • A GoVote supplied PIN, followed by a space
  • A verification detail, followed by a space (see below)
  • Their preference (e.g. yes or no)

A verification detail (optional) could be a payroll ID, member number or similar. Access will be setup before the ballot with either a PIN, which we call authenticated only, or a PIN and the additional verification item, which we call authenticated and verified. The verification detail would not be required for authenticated (PIN) only ballots.

Step 2: Voting Receipt

The voter sends their text message to GoVote’s dedicated mobile number. The voting preference will be recorded if the text message details and format are correct. Once the vote has been lodged, a receipt number is sent back to the voter’s mobile by SMS. This all takes less than a minute. The voter can use the receipt number to check that their vote was successfully lodged, which is a benefit that you don’t get with anonymous in person or postal voting.

Step 1: Replying to an SMS message

If replying to an SMS Voting Instruction from GoVote:

  • Reply to the message with either yes or no

Alternatively:

Create a new text message on their mobile phone and enter:

  • A GoVote supplied PIN, followed by a space
  • A verification detail, followed by a space (see below)
  • Their preference (e.g. yes or no)

A verification detail (optional) could be a payroll ID, member number or similar. Access will be setup before the ballot with either a PIN, which we call authenticated only, or a PIN and the additional verification item, which we call authenticated and verified. The verification detail would not be required for authenticated (PIN) only ballots.

Step 2: Voting Receipt

The voter sends their text message to GoVote’s dedicated mobile number. The voting preference will be recorded if the text message details and format are correct. Once the vote has been lodged, a receipt number is sent back to the voter’s mobile by SMS. This all takes less than a minute. The voter can use the receipt number to check that their vote was successfully lodged, which is a benefit that you don’t get with anonymous in person or postal voting.

SMS Voting example messages

SMS Voting Key Points

How to Vote

The SMS voting channel doesn’t have detailed voting instructions built in. GoVote can send voting information by one or a combination of email, SMS or post. Generic instructions are also available online.

Authentication Details

Voters will need their GoVote PIN number to vote. This is included in the voting instructions that we send. Combining SMS communications and SMS voting is a great option for voters without email.

SMS Format

Voting instructions will guide voters on the required text message format. It’s important that people stick to it. If unsuccessful a text message is sent back to the voter with details of the error.

That’s it!

Simplicity on the outside, expert software on the inside. We work to make the SMS voting process as simple as possible without compromising on the fundamentals of security and anonymity.

Voting you can count on

GoVote is Australia’s industry leader in the planning, management and delivery of secure, independent ballots and elections. We work across all industries with organisations big and small, public and private, including some of Australia’s most recognisable names. Our voting services can save you time and resources, and ensure your vote is conducted to meet any governance requirement.

Client Logos NAB, SA Gov, ABS
Client Logos NT Gov, RBA, Elders

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