Your Vote is Your Voice

1. Your Vote is Your Voice

2. Each election, important decisions are made that affect everyone, yet: • Hundreds of thousands…. • Of special concern…?

3. Some ways in which citizens can help govern their community are by: • Nominating candidates to run for public office • Communicating with elected officials to let them know where you stand • Voting in all elections • Holding public office at the local, state, or national level. • Learn more about becoming a candidate for public office. • Joining and/or volunteering with community organizations. • Participating in town meetings, public hearings and community projects.

4. 3 Factors That Influence Voting • Age • Party Affiliation • Whether one’s parents have been regular voters

5. Additional Considerations: • Voter’s interests in the issues • Choices on the ballot • How she/he feels about politics and government in general • Health of the economy

6. Registering to Vote • New voters must register • Registration must be updated if: • Changed your address • Changed your name • Would like to change party affiliation

7. Recent Changes in Federal Law to make registering easier • National Voter Registration Act aka “Motor Voter” Act • Signed in 1993; took effect in 1995 • Act contains the following provisions: • Chance to register at DMV • Forms available at libraries, schools, banks, other… for those w/o license • ALL states must have a system of mail registration

8. Registering to Vote in Oregon • At least 17 years old (2007 law) • A U.S. citizen • A resident of Oregon

9. Vote by Mail • Oregon has experimented with it since 1981. Movement began as a citizen’s initiative. • 1993 - Oregon holds first statewide mail election • 1995 - Nation’s FIRST congressional election conducted by mail • Two benefits: • Costs about one-third less than traditional polling place • Evidence that more people vote • Washington AND Oregon are the ONLY states with an all vote-by-mail system

10. How it Works • Registered 21 days prior to election • Receive ballot packet 14-18 days before election • Packet contains : • Secrecy envelope • pre-addressed ballot return envelope • ballot

11. What is a Political Party? • A group of people working together to promote a certain political “platform.” • This “platform” is a statement of the parties philosophies and beliefs. • Another definition: a legal entity empowered by state law to play a role in selecting candidates for political office.

12. Political Parties • “The spirit of party agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; and kindles animosity of one party against another.” • George Washington • Important Note: • Not every Democrat or Republican agrees with everything his or her party stands for. Most voters choose the party that most closely represents THEIR PERSONAL values, concerns , and ideals.

13. Democrats (1828) • Group symbol is the donkey • Labeled as being “Liberal.” A “L” believes that government has a responsibility to help its citizens, especially those who need it most. A “L” believes that basic rights should be extended to as many people as possible. • Historically, this party identifies more with poorer people, minorities, and the disadvantaged than do the Republicans. • More women than men choose to belong • More young people chose to belong. • Historically has won the support of various labor unions.

14. Republicans (1854) • Group symbol is the elephant • Labeled as being “Conservative.” A “C” believes the federal government should play a LIMITED role in people’s lives. • Members are in favor of lower taxes. • Historically, members favor less spending on social programs. • More men than women choose to belong • A larger % of Republicans are white, older, and richer.

15. “Third” Parties in American Politics • American Populist • Citizen Socialist • Communist Socialist Worker • Libertarian U.S. Labor Party • People’s Party Worker’s World • There are many, many more!

16. Elected Offices • National • U.S. President • Every 4 years • Electoral College • U.S. Senate • Every 6 years • U.S. Representative • Every 2 years

17. Elected Offices • State Executive • 6 statewide officials elected for 4 year terms • Governor, Sec. of State, Treasurer, Attorney General, Comm. of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, Supt. of Public Instruction • Half are up for election every 2 years

18. Elected Offices • State Legislative • Senate/30/4 year terms/Half are up for re-election every 2 years. • House/60/2 year terms • To Qualify: • 21 years old • U.S. citizen • Reside in Legis. District at least one year prior to election

19. Elected Offices • State Judicial • Supreme Court • 7 justices, elected for 6-year term • Must be U.S. citizen, member of Oregon State Bar, and lived in state for 3 years • Court of Appeals • 10 judges, elected for 6-year term • Must be U.S. citizen, member of Oregon State Bar, and registered to vote in the county they live. • Circuit Court • Same requirements as S.C. justices • 26 districts and 163 circuit judges

20. Local Elections • Offices of • Mayor, City Council, County Commissioner, School Board, and special district positions.

21. Running For Office • Must file papers at least 70 days before the primary election • Pay fee unless they prefer to gather petition signatures • Form a PAC and appoint a campaign treasurer • Must report ALL contributions and expenditures • Name/address/occupation if over $50.00 • Reports filed with state or county on designated dates