1. Organization of Political Parties

2. How does it all fit together? Citizenship Naturalization Political Parties Third parties Lobbyists, PACs, Interest groups Campaigns Elections Voting…this is where it all comes together…

3. VOTING Our most important responsibility

4. Electorate People who are eligible to vote

5. Who can vote? 18 years old Criminals must serve their time first (states differ) Resident of the state for a specific period Citizen of the US Register to vote

6. Voter Registration 25 days before election Can register as Rep, Dem. Or unaffiliated

7. Steps of Voting 1. Voter goes to a polling place in their precinct

8. Steps of Voting 2. Sign in: check that signature is confirmed.

9. Steps of Voting 3. Caste your ballot

10. What if you are not there? Absentee Ballot: mail it in.

11. Straight Ticket Voting for all of the same party

12. Split- Ticket Vote some from one party and some from another

13. Write-In Writing a name of someone who is not on the ballot.

14. Predicting who is going to win Exit poll: media will survey people leaving the polls to predict the winner.

15. Voting on Issues not the Candidate Citizens can propose a new law or constitutional amendment through an initiative

16. What if you don’t like a law? Referendum: citizens can approve or reject a state or local law. More than ½ the state has to vote Law can be sent back and voted on again