1. 10.1 Who Can Vote?
Civics and Economics

2. Qualifying to Vote
Voting is an important right of American citizenship, citizens choose who will run their government; it is also a major responsibility
The Constitution states that no state may deny the right to vote because of race, color, gender, or age if the person is at least 18 years old

3. Qualifying to Vote
Most states deny convicted felons the right to vote until they have served their sentences
To be eligible to vote you must be at least 18, a resident of the state, and a U.S. citizen

4. Voter Registration
Most states require registration at least 25 days before an election, in a few states the deadline is later- 10 or even fewer days before the election
You must fill out and submit a registration application
Applications may be obtained from county offices, some states permit registration by mail or in-person registration at public libraries, high schools, or other state offices

5. Voter Registration
The National Voter Registration Act requires states to allow people to register when they renew their drivers’ licenses

6. Voter Registration
You may register as a member of a political party or as an unaffiliated voter

7. Voter Registration
If you register as a Democrat or Republican you can vote in primary elections where you choose candidates for the general election

8. Voter Registration
When you register to vote you must show proof of citizenship, address, and age by showing a driver’s license or birth certificate
Voters are assigned to an election district (precinct)

9. Steps in Voting
On Election Day, voters go to the polling place in their precinct to cast their vote
A precinct is a voting district; polling places are usually set up in town halls, schools, fire stations, community centers, and other public buildings

10. At the Polls
When you first arrive at the polls you study a sample ballot
A ballot is a list of candidates on which you cast your vote
Once inside you sign the application form; your signature is then verified by challengers from each party

11. Casting Your Vote
You then go to the voting booth where judges oversee the operation making sure votes are secret and helping those who need it

12. Types of Voting Machines
You cast your ballot by using a voting machine, the two most common are the electronic voting machine and the optical scan ballot.

13. Types of Voting Machines
Elections are left to the states (RESERVED POWER) and the machines used vary but all have a ballot with candidates names listed by party and office

14. FL Butterfly Ballot- 2000 Election

15. Types of Voting Machines
It is important to read the ballot carefully, in the 2000 election many voters in Florida were confused by the “butterfly ballot” a paper ballot where opposing candidates were listed across from each other instead of vertically
Punch-card ballots in which voters punch a hole next to the name of a candidate were run through machines and misread; since the 2000 election, many states are upgrading their voting machines

16. The Secret Ballot Voting machines allow voters to cast a secret ballot
Some machines allow voters to vote for a straight ticket which votes for all candidates in one party
You can also cast a write-in vote by writing in the name of someone who is not on the ballot

17. Absentee Voting
Citizens who cannot get to the polls on Election Day can vote by absentee ballot

18. Counting the Vote
When polls close, election workers take the results (returns) to the election board where they are collected and counted
The state canvassing authority certifies a winner

19. Counting the Vote
Exit poll= a sample of voters leaving polling places to see how they voted, this used by the media to predict election winners

20. The Media and Elections
Major TV networks use computerized predictions to “call” winners of the Senate, House, and Governors seats, as well as the electoral vote for president
Some have criticized early projections because they may persuade West Coast voters from going to vote and affecting the outcome of elections

21. Why Your Vote Matters
It is important to stay informed about candidates and public issues to prepare to vote; as you read separate facts from opinions
All people who are eligible to vote are called the electorate

22. Why Your Vote Matters
A reason citizens do not vote is apathy, or lack of interest
Voting gives citizens a chance to choose their government leaders, an opportunity to voice their opinions on public officials and issues