copyright © 2014 cengage learning voting and elections chapter nine

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

VOTING AND ELECTIONS

Chapter Nine

Copyright © 2014 Cengage LearningCopyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the electoral process in the United States, and explain how it relates to democratic theory.

2. Discuss the factors that influence voter turnout in the United States, and compare American voter turnout to that of other nations.

3. Describe historical restrictions on the vote in the United States, and explain how these restrictions have been ended.

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Learning Outcomes

4. Describe the types of elections held in the United States, and explain the constitutional reasons for so many elections.

5. Discuss the impact of the mechanics and technology of voting on voting turnout, vote fraud, and the ability of citizens to trust the process.

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Introduction to Voting and Elections

U.S. is representative democracy Free and open elections Most votes wins Too many elections? Voter turnout rates declining

Votes count more in local races, but these have consistently lower turnout

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Turning Out to Vote

Voting age population = 235 million people About 55% actually go to polls Therefore, winner of close presidential election

chosen by only one-fourth of voting-age population

1960 last year for good voter turnout (65%) Presidential elections affect congressional and

gubernatorial races Lowest turnout in local elections

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Elected by a Majority?6


Elected by a Majority?7


Turning Out to Vote

Effect of low voter turnout Threat to representative democratic government

OR Satisfaction with status quo

Is voter turnout declining? Actual voters Voting age population Eligible voters

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Voter Turnout for Presidential and Congressional Elections, 1940-2012

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Turning Out to Vote

Factors influencing who votes Age Educational attainment Minority status Income level Two-party competition

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Voting in the 2008 Presidential Elections by Age Group

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Turning Out to Vote

Why people do not vote Uninformative media coverage Negative campaigning Rational ignorance effect

Lack of incentive to obtain “costly” information about politicians and political issues

Believe individual vote not important

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Voting in the 2008 Presidential Elections by Educational Level

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Turning Out to Vote

Improving voter turnout Mail-in voting Easier registration Early voting Unrestricted absentee ballot Election Day holiday Sunday voting National registration

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Legal Restrictions on Voting

Historical restrictions: Property requirements Race Gender Age


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Legal Restrictions on Voting

Current eligibility/registration requirements Citizenship Age 18 or older Residency (varies by state) Significant variance state to state

Extension of the Voting Rights Act 2006 extension helps ensure continued voting

participation by minority groups

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Primary Elections, General Elections, and More

Federal system means state and local elections

Nomination required to appear on ballot By political party (caucus or convention) By petition

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Primary Elections, General Elections, and More

Primary elections (selects candidates) Closed Open Blanket Runoff

General elections (selects officeholders) Other elections

Special elections Recall elections Constitutional or referendums

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Turnout in Selected Countries Most Recent National Election

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How Are Elections Conducted?

United States uses Australian ballot Office-block ballot Party-column ballot

Voting by mail


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How Are Elections Conducted?

Vote fraud Phony registrations Absentee voting Relaxed registration laws

Mistakes by officials Importance of the voting machine

2000 presidential election and “butterfly” ballot Help America Vote Act

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The Electoral College

Choice of electors State’s number of senators (two) plus number of

representatives District of Columbia gets three Total number = 538

Electors’ commitment Pledged to vote for party’s candidate Ballots counted and certified before joint session Candidates need 270 electoral votes to win If no majority, decision goes to House

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Electoral Votes by State23



Criticisms of Electoral College Founders envisioned independent electors Elitist to not let people directly elect president Presidential campaigning focuses on states with

most electors System favors smaller states

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Those who favor electoral system Major parties Less-populous states

National Popular Vote movement

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To Vote, You Must Register26

copyright © 2014 cengage learning voting and elections chapter nine

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