What is Election Day? PDF

Name: _____________________________ Date: ______________ What is Election Day? Election Day is an important part of the democratic process in the United States. Election Day takes place on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday, in each November. Being able to vote on Election Day is not o...

Name: _____________________________ Date: ______________ What is Election Day? Election Day is an important part of the democratic process in the United States. Election Day takes place on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday, in each November. Being able to vote on Election Day is not only a right, but a privilege. When the United States was newly formed, only white men over the age of 21 were allowed to vote. As time went on, people fought to have the right to vote. In 1869, the 15th amendment was passed which allowed men of any race or color to vote. It wasn’t until 1919, when the 19th amendment was approved by Senate. In 1920, it was ratified and became law that women could vote. Today, every U.S. citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote. There are two main political parties that run for election in the United States, Republican and Democratic. While there are other parties, such as the Libertarian Party, the Republicans and Democrats have been the main parties since the 1860s. These political parties argue and debate over issues that are important to the American citizens. Having different parties is a good thing for the country and democracy. It allows different sides and point of views on important topics to be heard. If there was only one party in the United States, that party and their views would always be voted into law without any question or debate. By having opposing views, the citizens of the United States can vote on which view and political candidate they like better. During election season politicians for each party work with big teams of people who help them win an election. During this time, politicians are trying to persuade American citizens to vote for them on Election Day. Glossary Politicians work on topics citizens want and need amendment – the act of correcting or adding to an official addressed. Once they have decided on the hot document such as the U.S. Constitution J9Schneider@ThinkGrowGiggle topics with their teams, they use the results from democracy – a form of government where people vote polls and statistics to determine what issues to statistics – collection and analysis focus on and then begin promoting them. of large amounts of data What is Election Day? The politicians go on trips to visit different communities and states to convince people to follow their ideas and to vote for them. They also give speeches and debate with opposing parties on the topics that Americans want to have addressed and fixed. Through their debates, they want Americans to believe in them and to trust that they will fix the current issues in the country. If they are successful at this, people will vote for them on Election Day. When Election Day finally arrives, Americans vote for which people they want to represent them in the United States Government. Not every U.S. Election is held to vote on the President of the United States. Some elections are for citizens to vote on local government officials, and some are for the House and Senate positions in Congress. Presidential elections take place every four years. There are a few different ways to cast your vote. Most people vote in person at polling stations. These stations are assigned by residential address. Most voting stations take place in schools or libraries across the country. United States identification is needed when voting. This is to make sure that voters are citizens and that they only vote one time. Voters who are not able to make it to the polls can vote by mail. Overseas U.S. citizens, military men and women on deployment, and U.S. citizens who are on vacation during Election Day usually vote by mail. Early voting is another option for those who cannot attend the polls on Election Day. This requires the voter to visit City Hall in their individual towns or cities and follow the directions assigned by the mayor or leader of the town. It is important to vote on Election Day. By voting, you are allowing your voice to be heard. Sharing your opinion on Election Day through voting shows that you believe in democracy and are taking advantage of your right to vote J9Schneider@ThinkGrowGiggle for which people you want to represent the country.