Political Parties and Elections Goal 4 Political Parties and Elections

Role of Political Parties Nominating Candidates Name, select and support candidates Create Leaders Ways a candidate could win Plurality- Winner take all Majority- Winning more than ½ the votes If more than two candidates it could lead to a runoff.

Roles of Political Parties Inform the public Mailings, tv, media Encourage people to Vote

Roles of Political Parties Act as watchdogs Keep watch of the party in power Keep watch on party members holding power. Give citizens a voice Helping pass out campaign information Help raise money

Voting and Elections New information VOTING AND ELECTIONS

Voting Requirements You must be 18 You must register 21 days before the election(once in a lifetime) You must be a Citizen Who can not vote People convicted of a felony Individuals in mental hospitals

Why People Vote or Not Why people vote Why people do not vote Sense of duty Support their party and candidates To have a voice Why people do not vote Apathy Do not feel their vote matters

Types of Elections All elections take place on the 1st Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Senate 1/3 every 2 years on the even year House- All every 2 years on the even year President every 4 years on the even year NC General Assembly- every 2 years even year Local elections in odd years

Outside of voting on Candidates You can vote on the following: Initiatives: Citizens can propose new laws or State Constitution Amendments if they get enough signatures on a peitition. If they do it become a proposed law and is put on as an initiative on the next general election

Outside of voting on Candidates Referendums- A way a citizens can approve or reject state or local law. This powered by state legislator or city council not the people. Why: It could be a controversial topic that the lawmakers do not want to deal with.

Key Voting Vocabulary Absentee vote: If you are military or know you are not going to be in town (college) you may request an absentee ballot and vote early Returns: Counting of the vote in each precinct. Exit Polls: When people ask you how you voted when you leave. This allows them to predict a winner.

Precinct Polling Place

Absentee Vote Some people vote by mail before the election You are in college You are going to be away for business

Outside of voting on Candidates Referendums- A way a citizens can approve or reject state or local law. This powered by state legislator or city council not the people. Why: It could be a controversial topic that the lawmakers do not want to deal with.

Outside of voting on Candidates Recall: The people can vote to remove elected officials from office. This happens only if they have enough signatures on a petition.