1. Chapter 12
Election Process

2. Warm-up #1 Incumbents
An incumbent is someone who currently holds an office. Statistically, incumbents running for reelection have a better chance of winning than their opponents. Why do you think this is the case?

3. Warm-up # 2 Age and Voting
Since the United States was founded, the right to vote has been expanded several times. First, it was given to African Americans. Next, it was given to women. Most recently, the 26th amendment lowered the minimum voting age from 21 to 1. Write a couple sentences to answer each question.
Why do you thin the voting age changed from 21 to 18?
Do you believe that 18 is an appropriate voting age? Why or why not?

4. Case Study Analysis
Turn to page in your textbooks. Read the case study on the election on Bush vs Gore. Answer the 3 questions at the bottom and be ready to discuss your responses.

5. Case Study Discussion Questions
Take a minute and read the following questions and answer them on your paper.
Why did the Democrats ask for a hand recount of ballots in Florida after the election?
What do you think would have happened if Gore had not publicly conceded defeat after the Supreme Court decision?
How might the controversy in the 2000 election have been avoided?

6. Encouraging Voter Participation
Voter turnout at 20-year low in Voter participation was down 8% compared to the 2008 election. Take a look at the poll on this link.
2016/
With your group, brainstorm ideas about how to increase voter participation among all age groups, and all other demographics on election day.

7. Encouraging Voter Participation
Select 2 ideas that your group has come up with and develop a strategy to get out the vote.
Complete a short power point or prezi presentation for your strategies to present to the class. Be sure to include pictures, graphs, and text boxes to explain your strategies. Be creative!
Be able to give possible reasons on why voter turnout has decreased sharply over the last 2 elections.