Bell ringer We have 20 electoral votes in the electoral college, how many U.S. Representatives do we have in the United States House of Representatives? Why is Ohio an important state in presidential elections?

Voting and elections Franklin County Board of Elections

Voting and elections How do you decide who to vote for?

Voting and elections The single biggest factor accounting for how people decide to vote is… Party identification For most people, party ID is stable over time and carries over from one election to the next E.g. In 2008, 89% of those identifying with the Democratic party voted for Obama & 90% of those identifying with the Republicans voted for McCain

Voting and elections Women African Americans

What about the issues and policies? Many people rely on party labels rather than relying on policy stances that candidates support – Some issues, like economic policy are really complicated – The media does not generally cover the issues in depth

In an ideal world… Prospective voting voters base their decisions on what will happen in the future if they vote for a candidate—what policies will be enacted – This requires a good deal of info – Party activists and political elites

In the real world… Retrospective voting Voters cast their votes as signs of approval or to signal their desire for change – The economy – Perceived success or failure in foreign policy – Domestic issues

The Candidates Trustworthiness Competence Experience Sincerity The ability to lead the nation and withstand the pressures of the presidency

Kinesthetic Quiz Understanding the American electorate – How likely am I to vote? – Republican? Or Democrat? – Why?

Unprecedented: the 2000 Presidential Election Consider the source Lay out the argument Uncover the evidence Evaluate the conclusion Sort out the implications nmc_s

Unprecedented: the 2000 Presidential Election Write a word response! Consider the source: what point of view does the film show? What perspective does it come from? Lay out the argument: What do they want you to think, believe, or do? Uncover the evidence: what evidence do they present? Is it compelling? Why or why not? Evaluate the conclusion: Based on the evidence is their argument convincing? Sort out the implications: what does it all mean? Is it important? Why or why not? Think, does nonvoting matter? Why?