SCC presentations this Friday! SCC final drafts also due Friday! Agenda NVCs Warm-up Libertarianism Elections in the US: an overview Analyzing voter turnout Objectives What are the steps of an election in the US?

Libertarians claim to be more socially liberal than the Democrats, but more fiscally conservative than the Republicans. Current policy positions include: – lowering taxes – allowing people to opt out of Social Security – abolishing welfare – ending the prohibition of illegal drugs – legalizing same-sex marriage – supporting gun ownership rights

Political Campaigns Elections in the US are a multi step process. We are going to look at the steps today. The first step: /watch?v=N708P-A45D0 /watch?v=N708P-A45D0 The Declaration: Hillary and 2016

Elections step #2 Primary election: elect the political parties nominee – Hillary and the States Closed v open primary elections: – Just registered party members? – Or all voters? Winner of a primary election goes on the General Election

General Election General Election= elect an officeholder Presidential v Midterm elections – Presidential election: every 4 years (2016, 2012, 2008, 2004, 2000…) – Midterm elections: every 4 years (2014, 2010, 2006, 2002) General presidential election 2016: Hillary? vs ?? General election: face nominees of other parties

Winning a General Election Need a plurality, not a majority! Don’t need 50% of votes, just need more than any other candidate! Candidate #1: 33% of vote Candidate #2: 40% of vote Candidate #3: 23% of vote

Steps of getting elected? Pay attention to different types of elections!