South African Voter Participation Survey (VPS) 2018 - All provinces

Description:
Topics covered in the questionnaire are: democracy and governance issues, attitudes towards government performance, identity documents, voter registration, voting history, most recent voting experience, voting irregularities, general perceptions on voting, electronic voting, perceptions on voting in terms of special groups, media and information issues with regard to the profile of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), voter education, interest in social/cultural/religious organisations, political participation.

Of the targeted population of 3500, 2761 responses (79%) was realized. The data set for dissemination contains 2761 cases and 602 variables.
Abstract:
The overall objective of the 2018 Voter Participation Survey (VPS) is to inform and guide the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in its plans, policies and practices in undertaking the 2019 national elections. The specific objectives of the study are to evaluate the general state of democracy in South Africa, to determine voting intention and behaviour and to examine the electoral and political involvement ahead of the 2019 national elections. A specific focus of the project is also to determine participation patterns of the youth and other vulnerable groups.

In 2018, the IEC appointed the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) to undertake this Voter Participation Survey. Similar surveys have been undertaken prior to the 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2016 elections. These types of Voter Participation Surveys are usually commissioned approximately 5 months prior to the actual elections, to allow the IEC enough time to implement recommendations that might emanate from the research. One of the core aims of the study is to understand what drives participation and how participation rates can be improved, especially given the increasing low voter turnout. Of particular concern is also whether vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and persons with disabilities, are provided for during the elections.

Specific objectives of the study are to:

Evaluate voting behaviour in South Africa and determine public perceptions on their participation in voting for the forthcoming national elections (2019).

Determine the public’s views on the work of the IEC as an elections management body.

Test the opinion of people on the performance of government, including the role of various institutions.

Assess people’s level of interest and participation in national elections and political activities in general.

Investigate the patterns of participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, including other demographic groups in elections and political activities; and

Measure the level of public trust in the IEC. The primary objective of the Electoral Commission Voter Participation Survey methodologically study.

This study issues related to people’s participation in the elections. In meeting this objective, the HSRC conducts this study commissioned by the IEC to obtain reliable scientific information.