Voting Campaign Gov

Introduction

• Significance of the 2020 Election

  • Highest voter turnout in 100 years.

  • Record number of mail-in ballots.

  • Kamala Harris elected as the first female Vice President, first black woman, and first Asian American in such roles.

  • First time removing a presidential party after one term since 1980.

  • No widespread voter fraud detected by Attorney General William Barr despite Trump's contesting.

• Election Outcomes

  • Democrats control the White House and the House; Senate is tied with Harris as deciding vote.

• Importance of Elections

  • Allow citizens to hold leaders accountable.

  • Encourage public opinion formation and coalition-building.

The Logic of Elections

• James Madison's Distinction in Federalist No. 10

  • Republic vs. Democracy: delegated governance vs. direct governance.

  • Self-government challenges due to nation size, necessitating delegation.

  • Regular elections ensure representation accountability.

The Slow Expansion of the Right to Vote

• Historical Context and Restrictions

  • Voting rights originally limited to upper-class white men; restrictions on various groups.

  • Expansion shaped by movements and constitutional amendments, including 19th Amendment, Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the 26th Amendment.

Who Uses the Right to Vote?

• Voter Participation Issues

  • Millions opt not to vote due to perceived insignificance of individual votes (free-rider problem).

  • Increased turnout noted in the 2020 election.

• Factors Affecting Turnout

  • Influenced by age, race, education, community involvement, and historical discriminatory practices.

  • Social pressure and targeted campaigns can boost turnout.

How Do Voters Decide?

• Decision-Making Factors

  • Based on predictions about candidates’ performance and public issues.

  • Voter cues from media, campaigns, and previous performance play roles.

• Economic Indicators Influence Elections

  • Economic performance impacts incumbents' chances in elections.

Assessing Issues and Policy Options

• Evaluating Political Performance

  • Voters consider personal experiences and future policies on key issues.

  • Some prioritize single issues; others evaluate multiple circumstances.

Voter Cues and Shortcuts

• Importance of Media and Personal Connections

  • Voters must navigate misinformation and evaluate candidates carefully.

  • Party affiliation acts as a voting shortcut for many.

The Power of Party Identification

• Influence on Voting Behavior

  • Strong predictor of voting, with high loyalty from party members.

  • Independents and weaker partisans exhibit more varied voting patterns.

The Basic Necessities of Election Campaigns

• Key Campaign Components

  • Candidates must convey why they are the right choice.

  • Campaign messages shaped by political beliefs and public perception.

  • Advertising strategies and personal candidate branding crucial.

Getting Attention

• The Role of Public Image

  • Candidates work to maintain favorable images and navigate media scrutiny.

  • Debates offer public visibility, crucial for challengers.

Political Advertising and Attacks

• Advertising Dynamics

  • Campaigns rely on continuous advertising to maintain voter interest.

  • Negative ads often more effective than positive messaging.

  • Difficult to measure the true impact of advertisements.

Campaign Money

• Evolution and Regulation

  • Shift from party-funded to individually financed campaigns.

  • Regulatory history includes FECA and BCRA to address inequalities and contribution limits.

• Spending Trends

  • Campaign funds heavily used for advertising, particularly in battleground states.

The Logic of Elections Revisited

• Electoral Dynamics

  • Electoral College can distort outcomes; citizens have power to change representation based on performance.

  • Regular elections create accountability and influence governmental action based on public opinion.