Overview
This lecture explains the importance of voting, highlighting both personal and societal impacts, and the historical and civic significance of participating in elections.
Direct Impact of Your Vote
- Your vote can decide close elections, as seen in the 2000 U.S. presidential race, where 537 votes determined the outcome in Florida.
- Local elections, such as for the House, Senate, or city offices, can be decided by very small margins.
- Voting affects daily life through the selection of local officials who create and enforce laws.
Influence on Local Laws and Referendums
- Ballots often include referendums on critical local issues like marijuana legalization or healthcare coverage for the poor.
- Voting in referendums directly influences specific policies in your community.
Sending a Message to Lawmakers
- Voting displays support for policies or viewpoints, even if your preferred candidate does not win.
- Lawmakers notice turnout and may adjust policies or strategies to appeal to larger groups in future elections.
- Election results shape public debate by quantifying support for various issues.
Civic and Historical Importance
- Voting upholds the democratic ideal of peaceful self-governance established at America's founding.
- The United States has a tradition of transferring power peacefully, even through challenging times like the Civil War.
- Voting honors both American history and global struggles for the right to vote.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Referendum — a direct vote by citizens on a specific law or policy issue.
- Turnout — the percentage of eligible voters who actually vote in an election.
- Democracy — a system of government where citizens exercise power by voting.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Participate in the next local, state, or federal election.
- Research upcoming referendums or ballot measures in your area.