The Electoral Commission (EC) is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. It regulates party and election finance and sets standards for well-run elections. The Commission is independent of Government and answerable to Parliament.

Equinox was commissioned to implement a profile raising PR campaign in Wales with the aim of promoting integrity and confidence in the democratic process, and publicising the work of EC in Wales.

The PR objectives included increasing awareness of the electoral process in Wales, engender public confidence and encourage voter participation, and EC as the authoritative body on all aspects of the voting process.

Our brief was also increase registration and voter turnout in the run up to the Assembly elections.

Equinox planned a schedule of activity to raise the awareness of EC and its work by placing at least one feature a month in the Welsh media as well as organising launch events and media briefings.

For the Assembly elections Equinox developed an effective PR programme which focused on the key message of registration. Regular press releases and features appeared in local media along with a series of interviews with EC spokespeople on broadcast media.

A political speed dating event with Big Brother’s Glyn Wise, AMs and young people was also organised which became an hour long programme on ITV1 Wales.

Our activity resulted in high profile coverage across the media spectrum in Wales, both in print and broadcast media The registration and how to vote messages reached some 12 million people in the run up to election day.

The elections campaign secured 75 articles in newspapers in Wales, including 5 features, an ITV1 Wales Glyn’s Virgin Voters 60 minute-long TV programme, and 34 radio and television interviews – all within a four week period.

Registration figures increased by 20,000, and voter turnout was up by six per cent compared with the 2003 Assembly elections.