1. Chapter 18 Voting and Elections
Government
Chapter 18
Voting and Elections

2. Expanding Voting Rights
White Male land owners, some religious restrictions
1870, 15th Amendment – regardless of race, or previous servitude
1920, 19th Amendment – regardless of gender
1971, 26th Amendment – 18 year olds could vote

3. Southern States and the 15th
Jim Crow Laws – restricted freed slaves from many rights
Voting restrictions – literacy test, poll tax, grandfather clause
Voting Rights Act of 1965 – gave meat to the 15th Amendment and allowed African Americans the right to vote without fear

4. People’s Voice
Referendum – legislation referred to people’s vote for approval
Initiative – with signatures, you can place own proposed laws on the ballot
Recall – to remove elected official from office before term ends

5. Why People Don’t Vote Registration Process
Lack of efficacy – they do not believe that they make a difference
Political parties role has declined
Too many elections
Ballot fatigue
Time zone fallout

6. Nominations/Primary Elections
Caucus – like minded members that meet to select delegates to national convention – Iowa Caucus
Open Primary
Closed Primary
Super Tuesday: day in early March on which the most presidential primary elections take place

7. Citizens Voice
Referendum – citizens vote for/against a measure proposed by the state legislature
Initiative – citizen sponsored proposal that can amend legislation
Recall – cuts an officeholders term--- this is how Arnold Schwarzenegger??? Became governor of California

8. The Choice to Run Civic responsibility Party loyalty
Interest name recognition
Personal goals

9. Formal Eligibility Requirements
President
Vice President
Natural Born Citizen
35 years old
Resident of the US for 14 years
Natural Born Citizen
At least 35

10. Formal Requirements US Senate US Representative
Citizen at least 9 years
30 years of age
Resident of the state elected
Citizen for at least 7 years
25 years of age
Resident of the state elected

11. Informal Requirements
“qualified” to hold office
Professional/leadership experience
Strong communication skills
Education
Name recognition
Ability to raise money

12. Money and Politics
Political Action Committee – required of any group that contributes to a campaign
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 2010 – use of new super PACs, use contributions from individuals, corporations, and labor unions to spend unlimited sums independent of the campaign

13. Regulation of $$$ Legislation Court Talk
1971, Federal Election Campaign Act – placed limitations on expenditures/contributions
Voluntary tax return check-off – you contribute $3 for matching funds received by qualified candidates
1974 reforms- disclosure of contributions/expenditures
Buckley v. Valeo, 1976 – candidate restrictions on contributions violated ones right to free speech
Allowed growth of PACs

14. The Electoral College 538 electors
Equals number of representatives/senators + 3 who represent Washington DC
A candidate needs 270 votes to win
Each states number of electors is same as representatives/senators
constitutional

15. Who Votes? Education Level - #1 predictor Age Race Income
Party Competitiveness

16. Voting Republican Democrat Higher education Older White Wealthier men
Lower education
Younger
Minority
Lower income
women

17. Why some do not vote
Lack of efficacy – they do not feel that their voice will make a difference
Voter fatigue – ballots too long
Time zone fallout
Negative campaigns
Registration process
Tuesday after the first Monday in November