VOTING Who can vote? Why should you vote?

I. Voting in the Past a. During our nation’s early years, most voters were white, adult property owning males. b. However, property ownership is no longer a consideration and the U.S. Constitution states that no state may deny the right to vote because of race, color, or gender.

II. Voting NOW a. To be eligible you must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of the state you vote in for a specified period of time, and a citizen of the United States b. People who have been convicted of serious crimes are the most common exception to the general rules and many times lose their right to vote

III. Voter Registration a. You must register to vote before you can take part in an election in most states. Exception: North Dakota b. Registration applications may vary from state to state

III. Voter Registration c. In order to register in the state of Florida you must: Be a citizen of the United States Be a legal resident of both the state of Florida and of the county in which you seek to be registered. Be 18 years old (can pre-register at 17) Be mentally capable of making decisions. Not have been convicted of a felony Register at least 29 days before the election takes place.

III. Voter Registration d. The application process involves filling out forms that ask for the following information: Name Address Age Party preference – this is not a lifetime commitment

III. Voter Registration e. Once registered, you are assigned to an election district that is usually set up according to your home address. (precinct) f. On Election Day, election officials will use a list of voters registered in the district to verify that people who vote are eligible to prevent people voting more than once.

IV. Steps in Voting 1. On Election Day, voters go to the polling place in their precinct. 2. A polling place is the location where voting is carried out. 3. A precinct is a voting district. Usually set up in town halls, libraries, community centers and other public buildings.

IV. Steps in Voting 4. When you arrive you will go through a series of checks to confirm your identity, and confirm you are registered to vote. 5. Next you will receive a ballot, or list candidates on which you cast your vote.

IV. Steps in Voting 6. You will then go to the voting booth to cast your ballot by using a variety of voting methods. All types of voting methods allow voters to cast a secret ballot. You can vote by absentee ballot if you cannot get to the polls on Election Day. For all elections in which there a state or federal office race, early voting is required. Early voting usually starts 10 days before the election and ends on the 3 rd day before an election. The Supervisor of Elections determines the hours. It is always important to read the ballot carefully.

IV. Steps in Voting a. Each county has a different type of ballot to vote on. In Leon County, we vote on scantron type ballots. b. In the 2000 Presidential Election, many voters in Palm Beach county, Florida were confused with their “butterfly ballot”, a paper ballot in which opposing candidates were listed across from each other instead of vertically. The 2000 election also proved that some voting machines are more reliable than others.

V. Ways People May Vote a. Straight ticket, which means voting for all candidates in one political party. b. Split ticket, which means you choose some candidates from one party and some from another.

VI. After You Vote a. After the polls are closed, elections workers send the ballots and the results – called returns – to the election board. b. The board then sends the returns to the state canvassing authority who then certifies the election of the winner. c. Major elections may have the news media and party workers try to predict the winners as soon as possible. Exit polls – a sample of voters who are asked how they voted upon leaving selected polling places. (not always correct)

VII. Why your Vote Matters a. The best way to prepare to vote is to stay informed about candidates and public issues. b. All people who are eligible to vote are the electorate. c. Your vote does matter!!! The 2000 Presidential election was decided by only 537 popular votes from the state of Florida. d. Those who DO NOT vote are forfeiting their political power to everyone else

VII. Why your Vote Matters e. Why should you vote? 1.Choose your government leaders 2. Voice your opinions on past performances of public officials 3. Express your opinion on public issues.