1. WHO VOTES AND WHY? PG 51-52

2. THE PRO AND CON OF VOTING The U.S. has low voter turnout (-)Downs: is it rational to not vote?  If indifferent, then one may abstain from voting.  Those who see clear differences between parties are likely to vote. (+)Political Efficacy: the belief that one’s political participation really matters (+)Civic Duty: the belief that in order to support democratic government, a citizen should always vote

3. REGISTERING TO VOTE  Voter Registration: a system adopted by the states that requires voters to register well in advance of the election day  Registration procedures differ by State.  Motor Voter Act: passed in 1993, requires states to permit people to register to vote when they apply for their driver’s license

4. VOTER PARTICIPATION Factors in Voter Turnout  Frequency of elections=  Party differences: Two-party versus multi-party system=  Voter identification requirements= © 2009 MCGRAW-HILL HIGHER EDUCATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 4

5. SHOULD VOTERS BE REQUIRED TO CARRY A GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PHOTO ID? Pro:  Voting fraud is widespread and detrimental  All citizens will be assisted in getting IDs © 2009 MCGRAW-HILL HIGHER EDUCATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 5 Con:  Poor, elderly, and minorities will be disenfranchised  Little documentation of voter fraud

6. POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: ACTIVATING THE POPULAR WILL HOW DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN GOVERNMENT?????

7. WHETHER TO VOTE: A CITIZEN’S FIRST CHOICE Who Votes?  Education: Most important factor  More education = more likely to vote.  Age:  Older = more likely to vote  Race:  Caucasian= more likely to vote. BUT, other ethnicities are higher with comparable education.

8. WHO GRADUATES, WHO VOTE’S & WHO IS UNEMPLOYED- T/F

9. WHETHER TO VOTE: A CITIZEN’S FIRST CHOICE Who Votes?  Gender:  Female = more likely to vote  Marital Status:  Married = more likely to vote  Union Membership:  Union Membership = more likely to vote Traits are cumulative– possessing several adds up