Voting is a method for a group such as a meeting or an electorate to make a decision or express an opinion—often following discussions, debates, or election campaigns. It is often found in democracies and republics.
As an American, you may vote in elections once you reach the age of 18. This is your right, and some would say your responsibility as part of a republic. You are on the verge of that step of becoming an adult in our society. What does it mean for you?
(Answer all questions on your answer sheet)
Brain Pop (gicsd/viking)
1&2) List 3 reasons each video gives for why people should vote.
Many people don't vote. Here are some reasons given for why they don't vote.
get involved in politics - especially when times are good.a) Americans feel confident in the stability of their system, so they are unmotivated to
b) Americans are lazy; they have it too easy.
c) It is difficult to register and to vote on a work day. (In many countries, votes are taken on weekend days.)
d) Americans are cynical about outcomes in a two party system.
e) Americans are cynical about politics and politicians altogether.
f) TV election coverage on Election Day concludes outcomes early, and discourages voting later in the day.
g) Campaigns are much too long in the U.S., and people tire of the whole thing.
h) People feel that only one vote can't count much.
3) Rank the above reasons in the order you think are the most important.
Follow the link below and look at the census report on voting in presidential elections. Scroll down to table 6 and look at the first column of the table.
4) What are the top 3 reasons people give for not voting?
Scroll back up to the top of the census page and look at tables 1 and 2 to answer the following questions about how different groups in America vote.
5. According to table 1, what was the voter turnout for the last four presidential election years in percentage?
6. According to table 2, what gender had the lowest voting percentage?
7. According to table 2, what age group had the lowest voting percentage?
8. What was the breakdown of voting by percent, by race?
Follow the links below and look at overall voter turnout over the years.
Presidential and Non Presidential Election Turnout
Comparison to World Election Turnout
9. Estimate the average voter turnout in NON presidential elections.
10. How does voting percentage in the rest of the world, compare to the US, and why do you think this is?
Since 1948 we have been unable to get over 65% of our eligible population to vote in a presidential election. Midterm and local elections often have a much smaller percentage of voters. Some age groups, and races have even lower percentages. Yet when asked, most Americans will say that voting is important. How can we change this?
It starts with you. go to the following web site and follow the instructions on registering to vote. Print out your voter registration and turn this in. (NOTE: If you turn in your registration signed with a self addressed stamped envelope we will mail it in for you, and count it as a citizen action!)
Rock the vote is an attempt to encourage younger people to vote since they often do not vote. Your assignment is to come up with a plan to encourage people to vote. What should you do? Write a 1 page proposal detialing what you would do in your voting campaign, and turn in a sample poster advertising your new voting campaign. Your campaign may focus on Americans in general, or on a specific group. You should have more than one activity you will be doing as part of your campaign. (Note how many different activities or on the Rock the Vote site). For the purpose of this assignment assume you have unlimited funds and contacts. Be creative and HAVE FUN!