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Voting and Elections

Voting and Elections. Being a Voter. Types of elections Primary election General election – an election in which voters make final decision about candidates and issues. Ballot measures Initiative - citizens introduce a bill WA initiative to create a state sales tax

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Voting and Elections

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  1. Voting and Elections

  2. Being a Voter • Types of elections • Primary election • General election – an election in which voters make final decision about candidates and issues

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

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

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

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

  7. Influencing Your Vote • Messages from candidates • Posters, bumper stickers, leaflets, yard signs • Personal appearances • Direct mail • Internet • Media advertisements • Rarely a good source for what a candidate would do if elected

  8. Messages from Interest Groups • Want to elect candidates that agree w/their views by endorsements or donating money • 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. News Media and Elections • Try not to show bias • How to spot bias • Media giving more attention to a particular candidate • Play up negative side of a candidate • Conduct or report opinion polls • Must poll a random sample of people

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

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

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

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