Chapter 7: Voting and Elections
Voting and Elections
Overview
Focus on United States voting and elections, particularly in the context of UCF (University of Central Florida).
Forms of Political Participation
Definition: Various ways in which individuals engage in politics.
Types of Participation:
Voting in elections: Most common form of political participation.
Discussing politics and attending meetings: Engaging in dialogue and participating in community deliberation.
Forming interest groups and PACs (Political Action Committees): Organizing around specific causes or issues to influence political outcomes.
Contacting public officials: Communicating with elected representatives about constituents' views.
Campaigning for a candidate or political party: Actively supporting candidates or parties during elections.
Contributing money to a candidate or campaign: Financial support to facilitate a candidate’s electoral activities.
Running for office: Individuals seeking political office themselves.
Protesting government decisions: Public demonstrations against policies or actions taken by government entities.
Expansion of Suffrage
Suffrage: The right to vote.
The issue of suffrage is primarily determined by individual states.
Constitutional Basis:
Found in Article 1, Section 2.
Amendments that Expanded Suffrage Rights:
15th Amendment: Prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race.
19th Amendment: Grants women the right to vote.
23rd Amendment: Grants Washington D.C. citizens the right to vote in presidential elections.
24th Amendment: Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.
26th Amendment: Lowers the voting age to 18.
Civil Rights Acts/Voting Rights Act:
Eliminated discriminatory practices such as grandfather clauses, white primaries, and literacy requirements.
Issue or Policy Voting
Definition: Citizens vote directly on legislation or policy issues.
Types of Issue Voting:
Direct Primary: Citizens nominate candidates in an election before the general election.
Recall: Special election initiated by petition to remove an official from office before their term expires.
Referendum: Citizens vote on specific issues or propositions, such as laws or constitutional amendments.
Initiative: Voters can petition to propose legislation or policy changes that are decided by a public vote.
Candidate Voting
Importance: The most common form of political engagement.
Significance:
Allows citizens to select candidates who align with their interests.
Holds public officials accountable for their governance and actions.
Reasons for Low Voter Turnout
Factors Contributing to Low Turnout:
Expansion of the Electorate: Past increase in eligible voters may complicate mobilization efforts.
Failure of Political Parties: Political parties not effectively engaging or mobilizing voters.
Perceived Similarities: Voters feel little difference between candidates or parties.
Mistrust of Government: Skepticism about the integrity and efficiency of government institutions.
Apathy: Lack of interest or motivation to participate in elections.
Satisfaction: Voters content with the current state of affairs may not feel a need to vote.
Lack of Political Efficacy: A belief that one's vote does not matter.
Mobility of the Electorate: Frequent changes in residence can complicate registration.
Registration Process Differences: Variability in processes, such as the Motor Voter Act impacts registration ease.
Demographics of Voters
Factors Influencing Voting Behavior:
Education: Higher education levels correlate with higher voter turnout.
Occupation and Income: Different occupations and income levels impact voting behavior.
Age: Younger voters tend to have lower turnout rates.
Race: Vote participation can vary significantly across racial lines.
Gender: Gender differences can influence voting patterns.
Religion: Religious affiliation may impact voting behavior.
Marital Status: Married individuals often have different voting tendencies than single people.
Union Membership: Union members often have higher participation rates.
Community Membership: Involvement in local organizations may drive participation.
Party Identification: Strong ties to political parties influence voting behavior.
Geography: Regional differences can affect voter turnout and participation.
Types of Elections
Overview of Election Types:
Primary Elections: Elections to determine party nominees.
Types of Primaries:
Closed: Only registered party members can vote.
Open: Any registered voter can participate.
Blanket: Voters can select candidates from any party.
Runoff: A second primary to determine the final candidate if no one achieves a majority.
General Election: The main election where candidates compete for office.
Special Elections: Elections held to fill vacancies or decide specific issues.
Federal and State Election Timing:
Congressional and presidential elections take place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Congressional elections occur every even-numbered year, while presidential elections occur every four years.
Congressional Elections
Characteristics:
Midterm Elections: Elections occurring halfway through a President's term.
Voter Turnout: Generally lower than in presidential years.
Coattail Effect: The tendency for a popular candidate to attract votes for other candidates from the same party.
Gerrymandering:
Alteration of district boundaries to favor a particular party or group.
Redistricting: Each congressional district averages about 760,000 residents.
Baker v. Carr (1962): Established the principle of one person, one vote in redistricting.
Partisan Gerrymandering: Drawing district lines to benefit a specific political party.
Majority-Minority Districts: Districts that are drawn to ensure a majority of voters belong to a particular minority group.
Congressional Elections Diagrams (Visual Data)
Historical maps and plans detailing original and current gerrymandered districts demonstrate changing demographics and political strategy over time.
Presidential Elections
Phases of Candidacy:
Exploration: Candidates assess viability and gather support.
Announcement: Official declaration of intent to run.
Presidential Primaries and Caucuses:
Presidential Preference Primary: Voters express their choice for a party nominee.
Caucus: A meeting of party members to discuss and vote on candidates.
Nominating Conventions: Official gatherings to finalize party nominations for the presidency.
Campaigning: Candidates promote themselves to the public.
Electoral College: The system through which a president is elected in the U.S.
Partisanship in Elections
Types of Elections Based on Party Dynamics:
Maintaining Elections: The existing party retains power.
Deviating Elections: Temporary shifts in voter allegiance.
Critical Elections: Long-term changes in party alignment established by major social or political events.
Realigning Elections: A significant shift in the political landscape resulting in a new party system.
Dealigning Elections: Voters become less attached to major political parties.
Campaign Finance
Federal Election Campaign Act (1971):
Restrictions: Limits on campaign spending and requirements for disclosure.
Court Cases:
Buckley v. Valeo (1976): Overturned limits on personal spending by candidates on their campaigns.
Amendments in 1974: Created the Federal Election Commission and imposed restrictions on campaign contributions and PACs.
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act:
Banned soft money in federal elections and increased contribution limits.
Supreme Court Decisions:
Citizens United v. FEC (2010): Ruled that restrictions on independent expenditures by corporations and unions are unconstitutional.
McCutcheon v. FEC (2014): Established that individuals cannot be limited in contributions to multiple candidates and political parties.