Voting

Voting Statistics

Voter Turnout in the United States

2012 – 57.5% (93 million eligible voters did not vote)

2008 – 63.3%

2004 – 60.4%

2000 – 54.2%

Minnesota – Highest voter turnout in the nation – 74.6%

Hawaii – Lowest Voter turnout in the nation – 43.6%

Minnesota-Highest voter turnout in 12/16 past elections

Why?

-Same-Day Voter Registration -Raises Awareness

-Civic Culture -Vibrant Political Scene

Ballot/Approval Ratings

• http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=227

• http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-presapp0605-31.html

Check for Understanding

In order to vote in Minnesota you must

A. Be at least 18 years of age

B. Be a US citizen

C. Be a resident of the state for the previous 20 days

D. All of the above

Participation in Change

Recall: A procedure in which voters can remove an elected official from office through a direct vote.

Referendum: When voters rather than the legislature vote on an issue.

Initiative: A method by which citizens propose (initiate) an amendment or a law.

Ordinance: Legislation (laws) enacted by local governments. (i.e. cities, towns, villages, etc.)

Check for Understanding

When voter s are called on to approve or deny an act of the legislature it is called a/an

A. Recall

B. Initiative

C. Referendum

D. Ordinance

Campaign Funding

PACs (Political Action Committees): Organizations specifically designed to

collect money and provide financial support for a political candidate.

Traditional PAC vs. Super PACs:

Traditional PACs: Can give a maximum of $5,000 per candidate each election and $15,000 to the National Party. Unions, corporations, and associations may not contribute money.

Super PACs: Have no limitations on who contributes or how much they contribute. They can raise as much money from individuals, unions, corporations, and associations. (However, can’t contribute directly to candidates like traditional PACs. They advocate for the election or defeat of a candidate by purchasing radio, television, and print media)

http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/campaign-finance

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50157523n