Campaigns and Elections

Voting Virginia voter requirements: 1.U.S. citizen 2.Virginia resident years old Virginia Voter registration: 1.Must register at least 22 days before the election 2.Can register online, by mail, or in person

Voter Turnout Factors that predict voter participation: 1.Education level 2.Income 3.Age Excuses people give for not voting: 1.Believe it will have no impact 2.Feel too busy

Be an informed voter Uninformed voters: targeted by confusing facts and opinions, and by using propaganda methods to manipulate them emotionally Facts: true information that can be absolutely proven correct Opinions: an individual judgement that cannot be absolutely proven

Propaganda Methods Plain Folks: makes the candidate seem like a “regular guy” that voters can relate to Bandwagon: sells the idea that supporting the candidate is what everyone else is doing Endorsement: using the popularity of a celebrity to promote a candidate Name Calling: using negative labels to try and define your opponent Glittering Generality: using positive, meaningless labels to define your candidate

The Media Mass Media role in elections: 1.identify and publicize candidates 2.Emphasize issues 3.Offer opinions in editorials, political cartoons, blogs, and memes Media bias: 1.Some media outlets show favoritism to one candidate over the others 2.You should carefully evaluate sources to identify bias before believing information

Presidential Elections Nomination Process: primary elections and caucuses allow voters in each state to tell parties which candidates they prefer. Each party makes their final decision at the national convention in late summer. Electoral College: 1.Directly elects the POTUS and VP 2.Popular vote in each state determines how their electoral votes are cast 3.Must win a majority (270+) electoral votes to win 4.Majority requirement has led to U.S. developing a 2-party system