VOTING Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities

Objectives 1. Describe how the right to vote for citizens developed over time. 2. Explain how key factors influence a person’s voting habits. 3. State the qualifications and restrictions to vote in federal and Virginia elections.

THE RIGHT TO VOTE The right to vote is called suffrage. Voting is the easiest and most common way to participate in democratic government. It doesn’t cost you a dime to vote. It has been paid for in blood numerous times since 1776 on your behalf.

VOTER PARTICIPATION Original intent of Framers - Citizen’s role was not to be a deciding force in elections, just participants with no real effect on the outcome. Voter qualifications: white males, educated, property owners, church members Voters represented less than 7% of the population.

Voting Rights Expansion Andrew Jackson greatly expanded suffrage by: - including all white males of age; - eliminating property ownership requirement; - allowing anyone to run for office or hold a gov’t job.

Post-Civil War Barriers to Voting Special tests instituted to bypass 15th Amendment which gave African Americans the constitutional right to vote: - Grandfather clauses - Literacy tests - Poll taxes Each removed over time by law, constitutional amendment, or Supreme Court decision. 1895 Alabama poll tax receipt

Women’s Right to Vote Since the early 1800s women had pressed for the right to vote, but were constantly denied it. Women finally received suffrage in 1920 through the 19th Amendment. - Woodrow Wilson signed the Amendment into law, but was personally against the idea of women voting.

Legislating the Right to Vote In 1965, Congress passed wide-sweeping legislation protecting the right to vote for minorities, especially African Americans through the Voting Rights Act. Under this act, the federal government could monitor state elections, register blacks to vote, or sue states in federal court to make them change any racial bias in electoral laws. As of 2010, most southern states (including VA) still come under these provisions.

18 Year Olds’ Right to Vote A movement in the 1960s was formed to lower the voting age because of the Vietnam War. - It was believed f you were old enough to be drafted and fight in a war, then you were old enough to vote. In 1971 the voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 via the 26th Amendment.

Who Votes and Who Doesn’t? The two key factors for one’s voting are: age and education Those most likely to vote are over 65; those least likely to vote are 18-25. The more education people have, the more likely they are to vote. Voter turnout in U.S. is not very strong….

Contemporary Election Turnouts 1972 (Nixon v. McGovern) 60.7% 1976 (Carter v. Ford) 53.5% 1980 (Reagan v. Carter) 52.6% 1984 (Reagan v. Mondale) 53.1% 1988 (GHW Bush v. Dukakis) 50.1% 1992 (Clinton v. GHW Bush ) 55.1% 1996 (Clinton v. Dole) 49.6% 2000 (G W Bush v. Gore) 50.4% 2004 (G W Bush v. Kerry) 54.9% 2008 (Obama v. McCain) 61.1%

Voter Participation - In 2004, only 55% of all eligible voters cast ballots. - In 2006 (midterm election), 40% of eligible voters voted. In 2008, despite very high registration rates especially among the young, just over 61% of all eligible voters went to the polls. However, only 53% of those voting actually cast their vote for Obama which meant he was elected by 32% of the voting age population.

Requirements to Vote To vote in elections at any level of government you must: - Be 18 years old. - Be registered to vote. - Be a legal resident of your state.

YOU CAN’T VOTE IN VA IF YOU ARE… - a convicted felon - judged by a court to be mentally incompetent a resident of another state - a minor OR…

A NONCITIZEN…. LEGAL OR ILLEGAL

Who Controls Elections? The states do. They: - set up systems for voting and specify the balloting method to be used; - are constitutionally required to hold and pay for all elections; - impose registration and residency qualifications (30 day minimum in VA)

Registering to Vote in VA Step 1: REGISTER! Go to the City Hall, the DMV, or a welfare office for a form; present valid ID, fill out the form; or send it in via U.S. Mail. Step 2: Register at least 29 days prior to election. Step 3: On election day go to your polling place listed on your registration card and cast your ballot. VERY SIMPLE!

What If I’m Not Available to Vote? If not physically present to vote on election day, vote in advance via absentee ballot. How do I qualify for one? - College student - Active military duty - Hospitalized, disabled, or are a fulltime caregiver - Out of town due to work or on scheduled travel/vacation - Working/living outside U.S. - Religious observances

CAN I VOTE IF I’M IN JAIL? YES, but only if you’re serving time for a misdemeanor. You will need to apply for an absentee ballot. People awaiting trial on a felony charge can still vote.

Challenges to Your Right to Vote You can only be challenged on three criteria: - Your identity - Your signature - Data on your voter registration card

Restrictions at the Polling Place No placing signs, or giving out campaign literature within 40 feet of a polling station entrance is allowed. No protesting within 40 feet. No wearing of politically partisan clothing or buttons. No one can vote for you (even if handicapped). You can vote only at your designated polling place. Correct your address if you move!

Why Don’t People Vote? #1 Reason: We find it inconvenient or are too lazy Others: Forgot to register Distrust of politicians or government due to scandals, broken promises, incompetence Don’t know the issues or candidates Lack of good candidates to vote for No penalties are placed on us for not voting

Do we trust those whom we’ve elected?

Should people be punished for not voting? If yes, how? - Lose their right to vote? - Fines? - Public humiliation? - Community service? - Some jail time?

Extending Suffrage The expansion of the electorate to its present size happened in five fairly distinct stages: 1. During the early 1800s, religious, property, and tax payment qualifications were gradually eliminated. 2. The 15th Amendment (1870) was intended to end race-based voting requirements. 3. In 1920, the 19th Amendment prohibited the denial of the right to vote because of sex. 4. The 1960s: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 guaranteed the right to vote for minorities. The 23rd Amendment (1961) granted citizens of the District of Columbia the right to vote for presidential electors. The 24th Amendment (1964) eliminated the poll tax. 5. The 26th Amendment (1971) lowered the voting age to 18.

Exercise your right to vote Exercise your right to vote! You have the ability to choose, so make it an informed and wise choice!