The document discusses the history and process of voting and elections in the United States. It covers who could vote in the past compared to modern day, the voter registration process, election day procedures, types of elections, and the electoral college system. It also discusses campaign strategies such as getting messages out through advertising, direct mail, and personal appearances.

1. CHAPTER 23: VOTING & ELECTIONS

2. Who Can Vote? Over 18 US Citizen Registered to vote Resident of state Convicted felons face restrictions in some states

3. VOTING IN THE PAST In the past not everyone found it easy to vote. The only people that could vote for George Washington were white male property owners. Black Men Women 15th Amendment 19th Amendment The South would continue to prevent African-Americans to vote using poll taxes and literacy tests. Poor whites were allowed to vote because of the Grandfather Clause.

4. VOTER REGISTRATION Must register 25 days before election. You can register as a democrat, republican or independent. To make it easier = Motor Voter Act = automatically registers you when you apply for drivers license.

5. ELECTION DAY Voters go to a polling place somewhere in their precinct. Usually a fire house or school gym The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

6. Once there you cast a vote using a BALLOT If you can’t make it you can cast an absentee ballot Votes counted = returns

7. LOW TURN OUT The United States has some of the lowest voter turnout of any democracy. Why? APATHY My vote doesn’t count

8. TYPES OF ELECTIONS Primary Elections General Elections Initiative Referendum Recall

9. Primary Election Closed Open Only registered members of party can vote Any registered voter

10. ELECTORAL COLLEGE Each state has a number of electoral votes = # of senators + Representatives. -Changes every ten years 538 Total 270 to win

11. Problems with Electoral College It is possible to become president and LOSE the popular vote. In other words more people voted for the other guy. This happened to Al Gore in 2000

12. Getting the Message Out Posters, Bumper stickers, pins and leaflets – get the candidates name out so people remember it

13. Direct Mail – sending out mail to people in your voting district – often attacking the opponent

14. Personal Appearances Use of the Internet And the tv play big roles too

15. Propaganda Techniques Copy the chart out on page 626 Glittering Generalities Name Calling Card Stacking Bandwagon Just Plain Folks Transfer

16. P.A.C.'s Political Action Committee Help candidates get elected – raise money and provide advertising. Support candidate that will promote their legislation – tied to special interest groups

17. Interest Groups Groups that provide money and support to candidates who share similar values

18. Plurality Vote Majority Vote Person with most votes wins. EX. Jim = 48,000 Fred = 46,000 Tom = 6,000 Must receive more than 50% to win EX: Jim = 48,000 Fred = 46,000 Tom = 6,000 Jim = 49,000 Fred = 51,000