Organization of Political Parties

How does it all fit together?

• Citizenship• Naturalization• Political Parties• Third parties• Lobbyists, PACs, Interest groups• Campaigns• Elections• Voting…this is where it all comes together…

VOTINGOur most important responsibility

Electorate

• People who are eligible to vote

Who can vote?

• 18 years old

• Criminals must serve their time first (states differ)

• Resident of the state for a specific period

• Citizen of the US

• Register to vote

Voter Registration

• 25 days before election

• Can register as Rep, Dem. Or unaffiliated

Steps of Voting• 1. Voter goes to a polling place in their precinct

Steps of Voting

• 2. Sign in: check that signature is confirmed.

Steps of Voting

• 3. Caste your ballot

What if you are not there?

• Absentee Ballot: mail it in.

Straight Ticket

• Voting for all of the same party

Split- Ticket

• Vote some from one party and some from another

Write-In

• Writing a name of someone who is not on the ballot.

Predicting who is going to win

• Exit poll: media will survey people leaving the polls to predict the winner.

Voting on Issues not the Candidate

• Citizens can propose a new law or constitutional amendment through an initiative

What if you don’t like a law?

• Referendum: citizens can approve or reject a state or local law.

• More than ½ the state has to vote• Law can be sent back and voted on again