2.1 THE ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES

Political parties play an important role in the elective process Two major political parties in Wisconsin: Democratic and Republican Political parties are most important at state and national levels Partisan officers are elected in the general election held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years Form and Function

Party influence is not as important at the local level—most local officials are elected in the nonpartisan elections They might be members of a political party themselves, but they run without a party label Importance

Primary election held the second Tuesday in August of even- numbered years Election held Tuesday after the first Monday in November even-numbered years PresidentState Attorney GeneralDistrict Attorney U.S. SenatorRepresentative to AssemblyRegister of Deeds U.S. RepresentativeState SenatorCounty Coroner GovernorCounty ClerkCounty Surveyor Lieutenant GovernorCounty Sheriff Secretary of StateCounty Treasurer State TreasurerClerk of Circuit Court Partisan Offices

Primary held the second Tuesday in February Election held the Tuesday after the first Monday in April Superintendent of Public InstructionCity Officers (mayor, alderpersons, clerks) Supreme Court Justice Village Officers (board members) Court of Appeals Judge Town Officers (board members, clerks, treasurers Circuit Court Judge County Executive Nonpartisan Offices

Wisconsin’s “Open” Primary In 1904, Wisconsin became first state to enact a direct primary for nominating candidates for partisan office. Prior to that, candidates were selected at party caucuses or conventions. Unlike Wisconsin, most states have “closed” primaries in which only voters who register their party affiliation can vote to nominate party candidates. For example, only registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic primary. Wisconsin voters can choose Republican or Democratic ballots when voting.

2.2 INTEREST GROUPS & THE MEDIA

To increase influence, many individuals join with others to form interest groups that often hire lobbyists to promote their views Some people believe these “special interests” have too much influence over government decision-making Other people believe special interests play a key role in the lawmaking process Interest Groups

Ten Highest Lobbying Spenders in

Interest groups main function is representing concerns of members Interest groups organize people on the basis of shared ideas and help members participate in the political process Elections are only in the spring and fall, interest groups encourage members to participate more frequently Interest groups also educate public officials and the general public on complicated issues What They Do and How They Do it

The media—websites, newspapers, radio, television, and increasingly, social media—play a major role in shaping public opinion People receive much of their information about government from the media Lawmakers actively seek to attract attention and to build support through press releases, tweets, blogs, and Facebook The news media also try to influence government through editorial columns and candidate endorsements The News Media

2.3 CASTING YOUR VOTE

U.S. citizens who are 18 or older may vote if they meet state requirements In Wisconsin, you must be a resident of the state and election district for at least 28 days before the election Wisconsinites may register at polls on election day with proper identification Voter Registration

Voting is Important: Another Example November 2005 election: a 77-acre land purchase for a future Hortonville school passed by just one vote, A citizen submitted an official recount request. A recount confirmed the original vote. A citizen appealed the recount. The appeal of the recount showed that two ballots in favor of the referendum were cast by voters who did not live in the Hortonville district. The issue went to the Outagamie County Circuit Court for review. Four months later, the judge reversed the November 2005 referendum. The vote count was The referendum that appeared to pass by one vote was ultimately defeated by one vote!

Wisconsin Voters “Turn Out”