Congress for Kids: [Elections]: Voting

Elections

Introduction Election Day Voting Election of the President Candidates Political Parties Primary Election National Conventions National Conventions - An Inside View Candidates at the Convention The Campaign Polling Places The Electoral College The Electoral Map The Inauguration

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Is it illegal to wear any campaign "paraphernalia" to the voting booth, even if it is simply a button or a T-shirt for your candidate? Also, if you wear 'paraphernalia,' can they legally turn you away from voting?

Is it true that with early voting, which is the same as absentee voting in many states, the votes are only counted if there's a tie? Or are all votes counted regardless of the method used to cast them?

Some people who have served time in the penitentiary think they are not allowed to vote. Is it true that after they have served their time and paid their debt to society, they do not get their full citizenship back?

Vote: The Machinery of Democracy

Voting

Most people belong to some type of group -- families, classes at school, and clubs or organizations, for example. Often groups reach decisions through a voting procedure. Cooperation among the members of a group is required, and groups need rules and leaders to get things done. It is important for each person involved in a group to have a voice in deciding the rules and choosing the leaders. This is accomplished by voting, with members agreeing to follow the choice of the majority, which is more than half of the voting members. The same is true for choosing the leaders who will govern cities, towns, states, and our country.

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Did you know registered American voters can vote from anywhere they might be in the world?

Projects You Can Do

Call or visit the Supervisor of Elections' office to obtain the following information:

a. What are the qualifications for voting in your state?
b. How does one register to vote?
c. How is one's polling place determined?
d. If a student registered to vote, where would he or she actually vote?
e. When is the next primary or general election?
f. Is your state an open or closed primary state?
g. Complete a sample voter registration form

Develop and conduct a survey of a minimum of twenty individuals aged 18 or older. The survey should include, but is not limited to the following:

a. Are you registered to vote?
b. If no, why not?
c. If you are registered, are you registered as a Democrat, Republican, or other (specify, if possible)?
d. Did you vote in the last election?
e. If no, why not?
f. Can you make any suggestions to improve voter registration and/or participation?

Tally the information generated from the survey. Present the information in graphic form. You may draw your own graphs or use the computer to generate graphs. If you choose to use the computer, you need to compile the information using a computer spreadsheet program, such as MS Excel, and then convert it to a chart.

Consider the information obtained in the survey and engage in other research via the internet and printed media. Choose one strategy to improve voter registration or participation and compose a letter to your state legislator promoting this strategy. After any necessary corrections, send the letter electronically to the appropriate state legislator.

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