Voting in the U.S. AP Government and Politics Akwete McAlister

What do you think? il.html?taf=gws il.html?taf=gws

Voter Turnout Sixty-four percent of U.S. citizens age 18 and over voted in the 2004 presidential election, up from 60 percent in 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today. Read the following article for voter turnout in voters-presidential-election voters-presidential-election What changes occurred in who voted demographically (discuss race, age, regions, states)? Why do you think this is the case?

Who Votes? As education increases so does the level of voting. Whites vote at a greater rate than blacks In 2004, turnout rates for citizens were 67 percent for non-Hispanic whites, 60 percent for blacks, 44 percent for Asians and 47 percent for Hispanics (of any race). These rates were higher than the previous presidential election by 5 percentage points for non- Hispanic whites and 3 points for blacks. By contrast, the voting rates for Asian and Hispanic citizens did not change. These data pertain to those who identified themselves as being of a single race.

Who Votes? Continued…. Since 1984 women are more likely to vote than men. Higher income and status (career) increases the likelihood of voting. Older people vote at greater rates than young.

When do we vote? General elections – elect the officeholder Primary elections – choosing the party nominee Special elections –replacing someone who has left office because of death, fraud, sickness Presidential elections – elections when presidential candidates or on the ballots Midterm elections – midway through the presidential elections Off-year elections –odd-numbered year elections

What is the turnout for the different types of elections? Turnout is highest in presidential elections. Turnout is greater in general elections than primary elections, and higher in primary elections than special elections. Turnout is greater when there are federal candidates on the ballot as opposed to state elections. Turnout is greater in state elections than municipal elections.

What do you think? il.html?taf=gws il.html?taf=gws What does this clip say about the electorate? What does this clip say about the candidates? What does this clip say about U.S. democracy?

Is lower voter turnout a problem in the U.S.? Yes or No Explain. In a comparative study of countries around the world the U.S. was 120 th in voter turnout with 66.5% voter turnout. Australia was 1 st with 94.5% voter turnout. In last place was Mali with a 21.3% voter turnout. Some countries like Brazil put mandates on voting, how could the U.S. increase voter turnout in all elections?

Does voter registration negatively impact voter turnout? Yes or No What is the purpose? Are there alternatives to voter registration? Motor Voter Bill – passed in 1993 by President Clinton it allows people to register to vote while applying for or renewing driver’s license, and other social service agencies (ie: Public Schools, libraries, welfare offices.)

Voting Rights: When did different groups get the right to vote? White men without property? Men of any race? Women? Native Americans? People in the District of Columbia? Black people for real? People 18 years old and older?

Should felons be allowed to vote? Assessing Voting Rights For Convicted Felons (NPR talk) Listen to the following. Pick up some headsets in the corner of the room. storyId= storyId= Write a one page response to this article. I will collect.