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Voting & Elections

Voting & elections

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Page 1: Voting & elections

Voting & Elections

Page 2: Voting & elections

A History of Voting

• Today, the US has nearly universal suffrage (voting rights)

• However, this was not always the case. Voting rights were originally only given to wealthy, landowning, white males.

Page 3: Voting & elections

Gaining Suffrage

• African Americans were given the right to vote after the Civil War (15th Amendment)

• Even with this, they faced many obstacles such as taxes, literacy tests, or threats until the 1960’s

• Women lobbied for more than 50 years before being allowed to vote (19th Amendment)

• In response to the Vietnam War, the voting age was lowered to 18 (26th Amendment)

Page 4: Voting & elections

American Voters

• Voter turnout in the US is lower than most democracies (Only about 50%)

WHY?• People don’t like candidates• Don’t think their vote counts• Have trouble getting to the polls• Lazy/No interest in politics or government• Complicated Registration Process

Page 5: Voting & elections

Who Votes

• Typical voters share these characteristics– More educated than non-voters– Make more $$ than non-voters– They are older than non-voters– They have voted before

Page 6: Voting & elections

Who Cannot Vote

• Some people living in the US are ineligible to vote– Most convicted felons– Legal immigrants who are not yet citizens– People who have not registered

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How Voters Decide

• Voters base their decision on a number of factors when casting their ballot.1. Your Personal Background – Factors such as Age,

Race, Gender, Religion will impact your vote.2. Party Loyalty – There are 3 types of party voters…

Loyal members, people who lean towards 1 party, independents

3. The Issues – These change each election and are often unpredictable. Things like gas prices, security, etc.

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How Voters Decide

4. A Candidates Image – Americans look at a candidates physical appearance, trustworthiness, character, etc.

5. Propaganda & Media – Candidates will spend millions on propaganda designed to attack their opponents and build themselves up.

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Propaganda Tactics

Political ads can take many forms. There are positive ads, attack ads, issues, character, etc. All of them are carefully designed to influence your vote. There are a few tactics that consistently show up in these ads…1. Labeling – Using name-calling to define a

candidate (extremist, patriot, out-of-touch, indecisive, etc.)

Page 10: Voting & elections

Propaganda Tactics

2. Glittering Generality – making a point without giving you any facts or evidence (“Has a plan for the economy” or “Weak on defense”)

3. Card Stacking – Giving only 1 side of the facts, or taking only facts that help you cause. Sometimes misleading

4. Transfer – A picture is worth a 1000 words. Using an image or symbol to associate with a candidate.

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Propaganda Tactics

5. Plain Folks – Portraying themselves as a common man, one of the people, etc.

6. Testimonial – Using a celebrity or well known figure to speak about a candidate

7. Bandwagon – Highlighting poll numbers, newspaper endorsements, etc. to convince you