Over 18 US Citizen Registered to vote Resident of state

Convicted felons face restrictions in some states

In the past not everyone found it easy to vote. The only people that could vote for George Washington were white male property owners.

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.

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.

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

Once there you cast a vote using a BALLOT

If you can’t make it you can cast an absentee ballot

Votes counted = returns

The United States has some of the lowest voter turnout of any democracy.

My vote doesn’t count

Primary Elections General Elections Initiative Referendum Recall

Only registered members of party can vote

Any registered voter

Each state has a number of electoral votes = # of senators + Representatives.-Changes every ten years538 Total270 to win

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

Posters, Bumper stickers, pins and leaflets – get the candidates name out so people remember it

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

Personal AppearancesUse of the InternetAnd the tv play big roles too

Copy the chart out on page 626

Help candidates get elected – raise money and provide advertising.

Support candidate that will promote their legislation – tied to special interest groups

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

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 = 49,000Fred = 51,000