Voting Basics
Protecting Voters Educating And Engaging Reforming Money In Politics Defending the Environment Building Community Who is The League? A non-partisan volunteer organization of women and men.
As a U.S. Citizen, you Have the right to vote. At least 18 years old Registered to vote Main Requirements
Choose the representatives who make laws Vote to decide state and local issues Have a voice in your government Elect your Leaders Why Vote?
Every vote counts: Compton Unified School District Special Election, Measure S to authorize $350,000,000 in school bonds % 43.91% N Y
State Elections Governor Legislature Ballot measures City and County Electrions Mayor City Council County Board of Supervisors Ballot measures Federal Elections President / Congress Types of Elections
Local Elections
Varies by state. California: Register to Vote Register at least 15 days before the election Register in the County where you live
At a DMV Office Register Online By Mail It’s Easy to Register
Citizens can register at the following places It’s Easy To Register Available in multiple languages at: Libraries Post offices DMV County Clerk’s Office
Legal Name and Home Address California Voter Registration Form/Formulario de Inscripción de Votantes de California BALL LUCILLE 1918 N ROXBURY BEVERLY HILLS x
Signature California Voter Registration Form/Formulario de Inscripción de Votantes de California
Language California Voter Registration Form/Formulario de Inscripción de Votantes de California
Political Party You must check one of the options. Picking a political party not necessary. California Voter Registration Form/Formulario de Inscripción de Votantes de California Do you want to choose a political party preference? No Party Preference. No, I do not want to choose a political party preference. (If you check this box, you may not be able to vote for some parties’ candidates at a primary election for U.S. President.
Political Party Your party may send you information about their candidates or positions on ballot measures. You can still vote for candidates in other parties. California Voter Registration Form/Formulario de Inscripción de Votantes de California Yes, my political party preference is (check one): preference. (If you check this box, you may not be able to vote for some parties’ candidates at a primary election for U.S. President. American Independent Party Democratic Party Green Party Libertarian Party Peace and Freedom Party Republican Party Other (specify):________________
Permanent Vote by Mail California Voter Registration Form/Formulario de Inscripción de Votantes de California To receive a vote-by-mail ballot in all elections, initial here____. Remember to fill it out Mail it on time
Register to vote online You can use the internet to register online Lavote.net registertovote.ca.gov If you want to register online, we will help you use library computers at the end of this presentation
Sample Ballot Mailed to registered voters (you!) before the election Shows what candidates and issues are on the ballot Gives location of your polling place on back Mark it up and take it with you when you vote!
Where is my polling place?
Vote by mail or at your local polling place By MailAt your polling station
Vote by Mail Ballot must be mailed by election day Alternative Drop it off at your polling place on election day Remember to sign the outside envelope!
BREAK FOR PRACTICE
Voting at your Local Polling place On Election Day, 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Language Help at the Polling Place In Person Bilingual poll workers are often available to help at polling places. Audio Only Ballots recorded in 10 languages available at targeted polling places, using headphones and keyboards Help over the phone Multi-lingual Hotline:
Online Television / Radio Debates Sources of Voter Information ForumsNewspaper
Be Aware of Money in Politics PROJECT 1 Much of what you will hear are paid advertisements. Radio and TV ads Flyers and telephone calls Online media
Look for Unbiased Sources League of Women Voters Secretary of State County Registrar
California Proposition 45 in 2014 Require Prior Insurance Commissioner Approval for Health Insurance Rate Changes Yes Funding $8,000,000 Top Contributor: Consumer Watchdog Yes Vote - 41% No Funding $47,000,000 Top Contributor: Kaiser Permanente No Vote - 59% Millions
Be an Informed Voter Easy Voter Guide
Become a member League of Women Voters Contribute valuable service to the community Gain knowledge and experience through the study and discussion of timely and important topics Discover new interests, develop new skills and learn about crucial issues in your community Make professional contacts and develop lasting friendships as you meet others in League who share your interests
Online Information Secretary of State Los Angeles Registrar of Voters Candidate websites Non-partisan organization websites
U.S. Citizens Can Register Now! Register online. Register by Mail
Every election is decided by people who show up.
See you at the polls! The League Welcomes all Men and Women to become a member