2. A.Types of elections 1.Primary election 2.General election – an election in which voters make final decision about candidates and issues

3. B.Ballot measures 1.Initiative - citizens introduce a bill WA initiative to create a state sales tax 2.Referendum - voters cast ballots for or against proposed laws Altoona referendum to increase property taxes to fund the school district 3.Recall - citizens can remove elected officials from office Campaign to remove Scott Walker

4. C.The Basics of VotingThe Basics of Voting 1.Must be 18 and a resident of the state you’re voting in 2.Registration – the process of signing up to be a voterRegistration Can register on voting day in WI with a photo ID

5. 3.Federal congressional and presidential elections are held the Tuesday after the 1 st Monday in November Other elections can happen at any time 4.Must vote in your designated precinct

6. D.How to become an Informed Voter 1.From the candidates themselves 2.Public service organizations w/no political ties like the League of Women Voters 3.Newspapers 4.Debates

7. A.Messages from candidates 1.Posters, bumper stickers, leaflets, yard signs 2.Personal appearances 3.Direct mail 4.Internet 5.Media advertisements Rarely a good source for what a candidate would do if elected

8. B.Messages from Interest GroupsInterest Groups 1.Want to elect candidates that agree w/their views by endorsements or donating money 2.Large interest groups have political action committees (PACs) whose job is to carry out election activities Get money from people they represent (union members, business employees, corporation stockholders) to use for elections

9. C.News Media and Elections 1.Try not to show bias 2.How to spot bias Media giving more attention to a particular candidate Play up negative side of a candidate 3.Conduct or report opinion polls Must poll a random sample of people

10. A.Planning and Running a Campaign 1.Campaign manager – helps plan broad outlines of campaign 2.Must find out what the public thinks 3.Media use Campaign press secretary – makes sure media show the candidate in the best light

11. D.Financing a Campaign 1.Individuals may give up to $2,400 to each candidate 2.See handout for other limits

12. F.Who is most likely to win – candidates who 1.Are good looking and well organized 2.Have backing of political party 3.Are able to raise a lot of money 4.Is an Incumbent – someone who already holds the office - has a good chance of winning again