Voting & Elections Chapter 9

Bell Ringer November 6, 2017 Page 271 – Extending the Right to Vote Chart How was the effect of the 26th Amendment different from that of the law passed in 1970? What were the goals of the last 3 voting laws passed? 1970 Law: 18 minimum voting age for FEDERAL elections only 26th Amendment: 18 minimum age for ALL elections (state, local) To make it easier for everyone to register and vote.

Expanding Suffrage Early years of our country: Suffrage – Right to vote, was limited to certain groups depending on the State you lived in. Barred from Voting: poor white males, African Americans, Native Americans, Women. 15th Amendment: No person can be denied the right to vote because of race or color. (1870) 19th Amendment: Suffrage for all women (1920) 26th Amendment: Lowered age to 18yrs. (1971)

Voting Requirements Today Not Eligible to Vote: Offenders of Serious Crimes, Some Mentally ill, Non-Citizens Steps in Voting: Register to Vote: Through the mail, Forms are online, DL Office Prepare to Vote: Be informed! News, TV, Web Sites, Radio. Watch out for Fake News!! Casting your vote: know your polling place. ID & Sign in.

Activity Page 276 Bush v. Gore What reason did the Court give for its decision? Do you agree with the court’s decision in this case? Why or Why not?

Essential Question What is one of the most fundamental principals – basic beliefs- of our society? That every citizen, of age, has the right to vote

Bell Ringer November 7, 2017 Page 270 American Leaders What actions did Alice Paul take that show fierce commitment to her cause? Why do you think she felt so strongly about woman suffrage? Led a parade, started an organization, picketed the White House, got arrested, sent to jail. She believed in equality and wanted her voice to be heard.

Why Should I Vote? Allows me to choose my gov’t leaders Allows me to “Hire” or “Fire” people for leadership Gives me a voice in my community

Voter Participation Voter Turnout Rate: % of eligible voters who actually vote The voter turnout rate in American elections is often below 50% Apathy: lack of interest People fail to register to vote

Activity – You D0 Page 267 – Real Life Civics – Now & Then Explain which would have a great effect on you: a personal visit from a presidential candidate to your hometown OR a message from a candidate on social media Where would you seek the most accurate information to inform yourself before voting?

Essential Question Why is it important to vote?

Bell Ringer November 8, 2017 Chart Skills – the Electoral College Process – Page 280 Why do some states not require their electors to pledge to a candidate? How much time passes between the public vote and the actual election of the president? Since they are party members & well known – they are trusted About Six weeks

Primary & General Elections Primary Election: 1st step. The purpose is to choose one candidate from each party to run in the general election. Initiative: citizens propose laws, get signatures to have it placed on a ballot for a vote of the people. Referendum: voters accept or reject a law passed by a state or local legislature. Special Election: Sometimes held to fulfill a vacant office. Recall: a vote to remove an official from office