Goal 4- Political Parties

Qualifying to Vote Voting is an important right of American citizenship, without it citizens cannot choose who will run their government; it is also a major civic 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

Qualifying to Vote Most states deny individuals convicted of serious crimes “Felonies” the right to vote until they have served their prison sentences To be eligible to vote you must be at least 18, a resident of the state for a specified period of time, and a citizen of the United States

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 Registration 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

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

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

Voter Registration If you register as a Democrat or Republican you can vote in primary elections where you choose candidates for the general election Side note: North Carolina just recently held their primary election. This election is used to narrow down your potential candidates for the general “final” election in November.

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

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 Example: Pink Hill Town Hall and Kenan Auditorium in Kenansville.

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

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

Types of Voting Machines You cast your ballot by using a voting machine, the two most common are the punch-card machine and the lever machine

Types of Voting Machines Elections are left to the states and the kind of machines used vary but all have a ballot with candidates names listed by party and office they are seeking Side Note: This is an example of a ‘reserved power’ a power that is given to the states. (10 th A)

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 in which 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 Side Note: Bush v. Gore (2000) issue over election ballots in Florida. The Supreme Court ruled the recount Unconstitutional. Bush wins!

Florida Butterfly Ballot 2000 Election

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

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

Counting the Vote When polls close, election workers count votes and take the results called returns to the election board where they are collected and counted The board sends the returns to the state canvassing authority, a few days later they certify the election of the winner

Counting the Vote The exit poll is a sample of voters leaving polling places to see how they voted, this used by the media to predict election winners

Mass 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 (time difference)

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 the people who are eligible to vote are called the electorate Question: How can voters stay informed about candidates and where they stand on certain issues?

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