Transcript Voting

Voting
A presentation by the
League of Women Voters of
Wayne County
Eleanor Drake
(retired Monroe #1 BOCES)
and
Sandra Keller
(retired Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES)
BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Legislative: Congress
Congress can:
Hold public hearings.
Write and pass laws.
Override presidential vetoes.
Approve amendments to the Constitution.
Regulate commerce.
Control federal taxation and spending.
Coin money.
Declare war.
Oversee the executive branch.
Impeach the president.
BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Executive:: President, Vice President, Cabinet
The President can:
Negotiate treaties.
Meet with foreign leaders.
Recommend legislation to Congress.
Sign into law bills passed by Congress.
Veto bills passed by Congress.
Grant pardons.
Send troops overseas.
Subject to Congressional Approval, the president also can:
Sign treaties.
Appoint ambassadors to foreign countries.
Appoint justices to the Supreme Court.
Appoint cabinet heads.
Declare war.
BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Judicial: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court can:
Rule on court cases that question interpretation of
the Constitution.
Supervise the operations of all federal courts.
Overrule all decisions made by lower federal courts.
Overrule decisions about federal laws made by
state courts.
YOUR Vote
Can influence each branch of government!
Legislative: Vote for Senator and Representative
Executive: Vote for President
Judicial: Your President and Senator can
appoint/confirm any proposed Supreme Court
Justice
Imagine there is no texting, video games or
email, imagine there are no automobiles, no
trains and no Wal-Mart or Wegmans to
purchase the supplies you need.
Imagine you live in a rural farming community
with limited contact with the outside world.
Imagine the year is 1775 and you are living in
the colonies under the rule of the King and
now open your eyes.
Let me introduce myself - the year is 1775 and I am
King George III of England. As it stands today I
make all the laws, appoint the governors, set and
collect taxes as I see fit, give land to citizens if I
choose, declare which religions can be practiced
and make virtually all decisions affecting your
lives.
Do you think this is right? Do you trust me to make
100% of the decisions affecting your future? Do
you think I will make choices based on what’s
best for you or do you think I will make choices
based on what is best for me?
Like you, the citizens of the time did not like this.
They felt the King made decisions that were not
in their best interests. In fact they were so angry
that in 1776 with the signing of the Declaration
of Independence they put their lives on the line
so they could have a say in running their
communities and determining how their society
should function. What did the Declaration of
Independence say to the king? “We hold these
truths to be self evident…”
This led to the start of the Revolutionary War.
What would have happened to the signers of the
Declaration of Independence if they had lost the war?
We'll either hang together or we'll hang separately. Benjamin Franklin
US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
So they felt having a right to participate in the running of
their communities was so important they were willing
to risk their lives to get it.
The Revolutionary War was fought and 25,324 people
died fighting for the right to vote and to have a say in
the running of their communities. Hostilities were
officially ended and in 1783 with the signing of the
Treaty of Paris the United States was officially formed.
The war is over now everyone gets the right to
vote and determine their future.
Oops, did I say everyone? I didn’t mean
everyone I meant just men.
Wrong again. Did I say men? I meant just white
men.
Strike three. Did I say white men? I meant just
white male property owners. If you are one,
please join me.
John Floyd, Virginia politician
Major Richard Platt, Continental
Army, Revolutionary War, New York
Thomas Pickering, Massachusetts politician
Portrait of Revolutionary War General
Nathanael Greene, 1783
Ulster County Clerk, Archives Division
Freeholders Lists
c.(1798-1817)
Transcription:
A Return of the Freeholders of the Town of Neversink, in
the County of Ulster, Made by the Subscribers, June 20th,
1800,
To Serve as Juriors in the above County__
Note: Freeholders were defined by Statute,
from the Laws of 1786, as persons
possessing real property worth at least 60
pounds, above all mortgages and other
encumbrances. Freeholders had voting
rights in elections and could also serve on
jury panels. This list, dated June 20 1800 is
from the Town of Neversink, now in Sullivan
County
http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/archives/documents/freeholders.html
Many people felt this was unfair so in 1861 the
Civil War was fought. This time 620,000
people died trying to earn the right to vote. In
fact more Americans died in this war than all
other US wars combined.
In 1865 the Civil War ended and five years later in
1870, the 15th Amendment to the Constitution
was passed giving everyone the right to vote.
Did I say everyone? I didn’t mean everyone I just
meant men. So if you’re a man (part of definition
age 21+), please come join us on this side of the
room as a member of the voting public.
Ladies, non-white male property owners…
Do you think this is right?
Do you trust them to make 100% of the
decisions affecting your future? When push
comes to shove, do you think they will make
choices based on what’s best for them or best
for you?
• Who has the power?
• Do you like it?
• Is it fair?
People who fought for women’s suffrage
Giants
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/we-stand-on-theshoulders-of-giants-womenleaders/669e57022589da383863669e57022589da383863201847537851?q=women%27s%20suffrage&FROM=LKVR5&GT
1=LKVR5&FORM=LKVR12
School House Rock
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/schoolhouse-rock-sufferin-tillsuffrage/57b2b5abc27441581bba57b2b5abc27441581
bba165782225199?q=women%27s%20suffrage&FROM=LK
VR5&GT1=LKVR5&FORM=LKVR21
Let me ask the African Americans here, though the
15th Amendment gave you the right to vote in 1870
did you have the power to vote?
No. Voting is so powerful that many states used voter
suppression efforts like literacy tests and other
means to keep your voice from possibly changing the
way things were in your communities. It wasn’t until
the civil rights movement and the eventual passage
of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights
Act in 1965 that you had the power to vote, backed
up by the authority of government. Without the
power of enforcement any right is no more than just
words on a page.
And any right, not used, is equally as impotent.
On August 6, 1965 the American Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into
law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Addition to this law was the 24th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution,
ratified in 1964, prohibiting poll taxes as a qualification for voting in
federal elections.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ2j8zSxPgU
Need to connect to this web page
So here we are, the late 1960’s and yet still none of YOU can vote. Why?
Because until 1971 how old did you have to be to vote? 21. But what
was happening in the late 1960’s and early seventies? We were in a
conflict in Vietnam, right? And during this conflict, with what method
was the government finding soldiers to fight? The draft, right?
So the government was saying that at 18 you were old enough to die for
your country but you weren’t old enough to take part in the decision to
elect those people who were going to send you to fight?
Is this right? Is this fair?
People your age at the time didn’t think it
was fair either and they protested and
also worked with leaders in Congress to
pass the 26th Amendment to the
Constitution in 1971, reducing the
voting age to 18 in all states.
Oregon objected to the 18-year-old limit, as well as other
provisions of the 1970 Act (it also objected to a
prohibition on literacy tests for the ability to vote). In
Oregon v Mitchell (400 U.S. 112), a sharply divided
Supreme Court ruled that the Congress had the power
to lower the voting age to 18 for national elections, but
not for state and local elections. The case was decided
on December 1, 1970. Within months, on March 23,
1971, the Congress passed the text of the 26th
Amendment, specifically setting a national voting age,
in both state and national elections, to 18. In just 100
days, on July 1, 1971, the amendment was ratified.
So now, look around you. In the United States
today every person regardless of their race or
gender everyone has the same right to vote.
You have the power. One person one vote!
Is this fair?
Do you like it?
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/dont-justvote/2870e7d743d35dbc202e2870e7d743d35dbc202e199203816812?q=don%27t%20just%20vote&FROM=LKVR
5&GT1=LKVR5&FORM=LKVR2
Questions for First Voters
What are the requirements to register?
You must be a United States citizen; 18 years old by election
day; and a resident of your county, city, town or village for a
least 30 days before Election Day.
How do I register to vote?
BY MAIL: Mail registration forms are available from your county Board of Elections,
town and city halls, post office, political party, various state agency offices and the
League of Women Voters.
A new federal law requires persons who register by mail for the first time to provide
identification. Identification means a current NYS driver’s license or the last four digits
of your Social Security number. If you do not have a current NYS driver’s license, you
need to provide the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have
either, you may provide a copy of a valid photo ID, OR a current utility bill, bank
statement, government check or some other government documentation that shows
your name and address.
Completed forms must be mailed to the county Board of Elections at least 25 days
before Election Day. Mail registration forms can also be obtained by downloading
them from the New York State Board of Elections’ Web site
(http://www.elections.state.ny.us). Online registration does not exist in New York
State.
REGISTRATION IN PERSON: You can register at your Board of Elections
ofice any business day. Some counties hold local registration days.
Most county Boards of Elections will mail a special postcard to you
noting that you are reigstered and telling you where you vote (your
polling place). If you don’t get a card within 4 to 6 weeks after
completing your application, call your Board of Elections to see if your
application was processed. However, if you do not receive a card and
believe you are registered, you can still vote by affidavit ballot.
Can I register to vote before I turn 18?
You may pre-register when you are 17 years old, but you must
be 18 by Election Day to vote.
I am on parole from prison for a felony conviction. Can I vote?
No. Individuals in jail, prison, or on parole for a felony
conviction cannot vote. Once parole is completed, you
will be eligible to vote.
I am in jail awaiting grand jury action. Can I still vote?
Yes, the following list indicates individuals who are eligible to vote: those
convicted of a misdemeanor; those currently in jail awaiting grand jury action,
trial or disposition of a case but not convicted of a felony; those convicted of a
felony who do not receive a sentence of imprisonment.
You should register to vote in the county of your permanent address. List the jail
or prison address as the place where you receive your mail temporarily.
I’m homeless and live in a shelter. Can I vote?
Yes you can register to vote if you meet the other requirements. You should
list the address of the shelter or other place where you regularly stay. You
will receive a postcard from the Board of Elections at the address you list
telling you where to vote.
Will I ever have to re-register?
Your registration is permanent unless you move. Name, address and party
enrollment changes can be made by submitting a new registration
application. If you move within your county or within the City of New York,
you need only to send your county Board of Elections a simple change of
address postcard.
Do I have to choose a political party when I register to vote?
No, it is your choice. Just mark the appropriate box.
HOWEVER, declaring a party allows you to vote in that party’s primary election
which is open only to party members. Also, only enrolled party members can
sign nominating petitions, which are circulated by candidates seeking public
office.
You do not have to vote for your party’s candidates in the general election. You
may vote for any candidate from any party.
What is a Primary Election?
A primary is an election that takes place within each of the political
parties before the general election. When two or more members
of one political party wish to run for the same position (State
Senator, for example) the votes of party members in the primary
will decide which will be the party’s candidate. If there is only one
candidate running from a party, there is no primary.
What do I need when I go to vote?
You must be registered. If you do not provide identification with the
registration form, you will be asked for it the first time you votes.
Acceptable forms of ID include a valid photo ID, OR a copy of a current
utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other
government document that shows your name and address
When are Elections Held?
Primary election in New York State are held on the second Tuesday in
September. Generally polls are open from 12 noon to 9 pm.
General elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in
November. Most polling place are open from 6 am until 9 pm; some,
however, open at noon. Check with the county Board of Elections
Voting on school budgets and the election of school board members
usually occurs on the same day in May throughout New York State. Some
village and town elections are help in the spring.
What can I do if I am not permitted to vote?
If you believe your are eligible to vote, but your name is
missing from the poll books, you are ENTITLED to an affidavit
ballot, which is a paper ballot. Inspectors must provide with
this ballot after they verify that you live in the election district.
After the election, the Board of Elections will check its records
and your vote will be counted if you are eligible to vote. Your
county Board of Elections must notify you as to whether or
not your vote was counted
Absentee Voting
Can I vote if I won’t be home on Election Day?
Yes. Any qualified registered voter may vote by absentee ballot if unable to vote
in person due to : absence from town during voting hours, illness, physical
disability, or active U.S. military service.
An application for an absentee ballot must be requested from the Board of
Elections by mail no later than 8 days before Election Day, or in person until the
day before Election Day. Absentee ballots are available for both primary and
general elections
Your ballot must be postmarked by the day before the election or hand delivered
on election day.
What if I join the military and get sent overseas?
There are special rules to make it easy for members of the Armed
Forces to vote. Every unit in the Armed Forces has a voting officer
who has a book explaining the voting requirements of each state.
If I’m disabled, where can I vote?
Many polling places are now accessible to the handicapped. If yours is
not, you may ask to have your records transferred to a nearby accessible
polling place where the ballot will be the same as in your election
district. This request must be made at least two weeks before the
general election.
You may also vote by absentee ballot. If you have a long-term illness or
disability, you can apply for a permanent absentee ballot and you will
automatically receive your ballot before each primary and general
election.
What is a special presidential ballot?
If you move shortly before Election Day and cannot met the residency
requirements of your new place of residence, you need not lose your right
to vote for a presidential candidate. You can apply for a special presidential
ballot by mail at least 7 days before the election, or in person at the county
Board of Elections until the day before the election. The ballot must be
returned to the County Board of Elections by the day before the election.
When I am in college out-of-town, how to I decide where to vote?
When you are attending college at a school outside your
hometown, you may vote in person or by absentee ballot in your
home community. You must be registered in your hometown
district to vote there.
Many states allow college students to register and vote where they
attend college as the Census considers college students to be
residents of their college communities. Check with the town or
city clerk or the county Board of Elections in your college
community to find out if you may vote from your college address.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlQH71fn7IE&featur
e=related – don’t just vote
Why Each Vote Counts
Oops, I spilled my
coffee on the map
Original Gerry district, MA
Abe Lincoln riding
a vacuum cleaner
ne Nassau County, Long Island
Your vote is especially important in a census year because your representation
in the following years could be changed due to population shifts.
Weiner, Anthony D., New York, 9th
Lee, Christopher J., New York, 26th
Maffei, Daniel B., New York, 25th
Slaughter, Louise, New York, 28th
Don't ever think your vote doesn't count,
because ...
By the Smallest of Margins...

In 1800 - Thomas Jefferson was elected President by one
vote in the House of Representatives after a tie in the
electoral college.
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In 1824 - Andrew Jackson won the presidential popular
vote but lost by one vote in the House of Representatives
to John Quincy Adams after an electoral college deadlock.
In 1845 - The U.S. Senate passed the convention annexing
Texas by two votes (27/25).
In 1846 - President Polk's request for a Declaration of War
against Mexico passed by one vote.
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In 1867 - The Alaska purchase was ratified in the Senate by
two votes: 37-2, paving the way for future statehood.
In 1868 - President Andrew Johnson was Impeached but not
convicted because the Senate was one vote shy of the
necessary two thirds required.
In 1876 - Samuel Tilden won the presidential popular vote but
came up one electoral vote shy and lost to Rutherford B.
Hayes.
In 1941 - Congress amended the active-service component of
the Selective Service Act from one year to two-and-a-half
years by one vote, 203 to 202.
In 1962 - Governors of Maine, Rhode Island and North Dakota
were elected by an average of one vote per precinct.
•
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In 1989 - A Lansing, Michigan School District millage
proposition failed when the final recount produced a tie vote
5,147 for, and 5,147 against. On the original vote count, votes
against the proposition were ten more than those in favor. The
result meant that the school district had to reduce its budget
by $2.5 million.
In 1994 - 1.1 votes per precinct in Alaska elected Tony Knowles
as Governor and Fran Ulmer as Lt. Governor out of 216,668
votes cast in the General Election.
In 1994 - Republican Randall Luthi and Independent Larry Call
tied for a seat in the Wyoming House of Representatives from
the Jackson Hole area with 1,941 votes each. A recount
produced the same result. Mr. Luthi was finally declared the
winner when, in a drawing before the State Canvassing Board,
a ping pong ball bearing his name was pulled from the cowboy
hat of Democratic Governor Mike Sullivan.
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In 1997 - Vermont State representative Sydney Nixon was seated
as an apparent one vote winner, 570 to 569. Mr. Nixon resigned
when the State House determined, after a recount, that he had
actually lost to his opponent Robert Emond 572 to 571.
In 1997 - Dakota Democrat John McIntyre led Republican Hal
Wick 4,195 to 4,191 for the second seat in Legislative District 12
on election night. A subsequent recount showed Wick the winner
at 4,192 to 4,191. The State Supreme Court however, ruled that
one ballot counted for Wick was invalid due to an overvote. This
left the race a tie. After hearing arguments from both sides, the
State Legislature voted to seat Wick 46 to 20.
In 2000 - The Presidential election was decided by an extremely
narrow margin. George W. Bush won the state of Florida by just
537 votes, making him the next President of the United
States. Close to 6 million voters went to the polls in Florida. It
might not have been by one vote, but certainly every vote
counted.
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In 2008 - Stockton, California: The Stockton Unified School
Trustee Area No. 3 seat was won by one vote. Jose Morales
received 2,302 votes while Anthony Silva received 2,301.
In 2008 - Minnesota voters cast 2.9 million votes in their US
Senate race that may be decided by as few as 200 votes
(1/1000th of one %)
In 2010 - In Nevada, the Nye County Primary contest for County
Commissioner District IV was a dead heat with both Butch
Borasky and Carl Moore receiving 381 votes. In the Lincoln
County Primary, the District Attorney race was decided by only
3 votes.
In a democracy it's your vote that counts.
In feudalism it was your count who voted.