LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS® www.lwv.org 2 MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 | A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES League inyour community to more. learn your community strong, safe andvibrant. Join work! usinmakingdemocracy Contact the improve government oursystems of through andpublic education policies andadvocacy. since thathasfought organization 1920to political is acommunity-based nonpartisan thecandidateswhat every thinkabouttheissuesAmerican’s thatimpact life. League The process —from defending voters’ rights, to voters, registering to voters helping learn based onbased theLWV thePresident publication Choosing 2008: A Citizen’s Guide to theElectoral Process. commercials you imploring to vote thisway or that. andcaucuses,conventions,the primaries theparty andthedebates—not to thespeeches, mention all polls, andtelevision radio andfocusgroups, of plus thebarrage –likes media social &tweets, office elected for candidacy endorsements, thehighest in awinning America. of theother makings andall Key events along theway include doesn’t endthevoters until have their say. Introduction • Otherelection andvoting topics voting• Overseas information • Voting procedures • Your pollingplacelocation • Dataoncandidatesinfederal, state, &localelections • Voter registration tool electiondatesandregistration deadlines • Primary You willfind here: Join passionate men andwomen keeping inyour work communityof intheimportant How you can getinvolved? theLeague isto engageall of intheelection Americans undertaking A primary What itdo? does What istheLeague of Women Voters? It’s easyto overwhelmed. be And that’s why theLeagueWomen of Voters produced thissupplement. the2012Newspaper It isanupdate inEducation of supplement, What thisextended happens during isaquest notjust for campaign votes, but alsoforcontributions, political favorable coverage, media online advertising exposure, U.S.The presidential isthebiggest event election in politics.American It’s anexciting andcomplicated process immediately after thatbegins thepreceding and election FOR ELECTIONINFORMATION LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERSLEAGUE www.lwv.org •@vote411 •@lwv THE ONE-STOP SITE THE ONE-STOPSITE

30 daysbeforetheelection. home addresswhileatschool,remembertorequestanabsenteeballotleast update yourregistrationeachtimeyoumove.Ifareregisteredat You canregistereitheratyourhomeorschooladdress.Itisimportantto I’m acollegestudentlivingawayfromhome.WhereshouldIregister? now officiallyaregisteredvoterandwheretovote.Holdonthatnotice. you shouldgetaregistrationcardornoticeinthemailtellingthatare Within afewweeksafteryousendinorhandyourregistrationapplication, How doIknowifI’mregistered? years oldbythegeneralelection. You mustbe:1)AcitizenoftheUnitedStates.2)residentstateand18 What aretherequirementstobeeligiblevote? Visit thevoterregistrationtoolat:www.VOTE411.org How doIregistertovote? VOTE411.org. be usinginyour pollingplace,contactyour localelectionsofficialor check same equipmentthey’veused inthepast.Tofindoutwhatequipmentyou’ll Some voterswillfaceanew votingmachineandotherswillcontinuetousethe from whatI’veusedinthe past? What kindofmachinewill Ibevotingon?Isitgoingtodifferent given aprovisionalballotordirectionstoanother pollingplace. Get helpfromapollworkertomakesureyourvoteis counted.Youshouldbe What ifmynameisn’tontheregistrationlistat mypollingplace? marked up,oranyotherinformation. street addressmayalsowork.Youcanbringnotes, asampleballotyou’ve current utilitybill,paycheck,orotherdocumentthat includesyournameand To besafe,bringyourdrivers’licenseoranotherphoto ID.Insomeplaces,a What shouldIbringwithmetothepolls? on otherwaystovoteandwhatbringvisitwww.VOTE411.org. to thepollsvote.Somestatesalsohaveearlyvotingprograms.Forquestions allow citizenswhowillbeawayfromhomeonElectionDayorcannotgo All statesarerequiredtohaveanabsenteeballot(votebymail)program Are thereotherwaystovotebesidesgoingthepolls? you areregistered.Visitwww.VOTE411.orgtogetstarted. line inyourstate.Inmanystates,youcannowverifyonlinewhetherornot nity, youwillhavetoreregisterinyournewareabeforetheregistrationdead- determine whereyoushouldvote.Ifmovedoutsideofyouroldcommu- munity, contactyourlocalelectionofficetoupdateregistrationand Yes. Ifyouareregisteredandhavemovedwithinyourcurrentelectioncom- tion? I amregistered,butI’verecentlymoved.Doesthisaffectmyregistra Frequently AskedQuestions - PART 1 — The Players

taxes, literacy tests and English-language requirements, We the People length-of-residency requirements, and onerous voter reg- The most important players in the election of a U.S. istration rules to keep registration and voting rates down president are not the candidates or their staffs, not the among racial and ethnic minorities, the poor, and other political parties or the other organizations, and not the groups, such as college students. media pundits. A presidential election revolves around the In recent decades, three major pieces of federal legisla- beliefs and the actions of American voters. Come Election tion have sought to break down these and other barriers Day, no one else’s opinions matter, and no one else has to registration and voting: the Voting Rights Act, origi- control over the outcome. nally enacted in 1965; the National Voter Registration Act, Voting is the great equalizer in American society. No signed into law in 1993; and the 2002 Help America Vote matter how much money you have or who your friends are Act. or whether or not you contributed to a particular candi- Constitutional Some states have found new ways to suppress the vote date, you have one vote—the same as everybody else. And including by passing laws requiring photo identification at with that one vote, you have the power to influence deci- Election Rights the polls, which pose a barrier to millions of voters. sions that will affect your life. Your job, your taxes, your health care, your Social Security, whether the nation goes FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT, Section 1. The to war, you name it—they are all at stake. Voter Turnout: Turn-offs and Turn-ons right of citizens of the United States to vote With more people eligible to vote and voter registra- shall not be denied or abridged by the United Voting in the Nation’s Early Years tion rates on the rise, you’d think that the percentage of States or by any State on account of race, Today, every American citizen age eighteen and older Americans showing up at the polls would be higher than color, or previous condition of servitude. has the right to vote. Sometimes it’s a right we take for ever. But that’s not the case. In fact, between the 1960s and granted. We forget how much blood, sweat, and tears have the 1990s, there was a steady drop in voter turnout, defined (Ratified in 1870) gone into making sure that all segments of the American as the percentage of the voting age population that voted population—minorities, women, and youth—are able to in a given election. NINETEENTH AMENDMENT, Section 1. have their say. Turnout rebounded a bit in 2000, when over 50 percent The right of citizens of the United States to Despite their opposition to arbitrary rule and their voted. And in 2004 and 2008, the upturns were even sharp- vote shall not be denied or abridged by the faith in popular sovereignty, the founders of the United er, as more than 55.5 percent of the voting age population States did not believe that all adults should be able to vote. went to the polls in 2004 and 57.1 percent in 2008. In 2012 United States or by any State on account of

During the early years of the country’s history, legislatures it decreased to 54.9 percent. sex. (Ratified in 1920) A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES in the United States generally restricted voting to white The increase in turnout among young Americans was males who were twenty-one or older. Many states also especially noticeable. Nearly five million more people TWENTY-FOURTH AMENDMENT, limited voting rights to those who “had a stake in society.” ages 18 to 29 voted in 2004 than in 2000, representing an Section 1. The right of citizens of the Translation: To vote, you had to own property. State gov- increase from 40 to 49 percent with 2008 increasing to 51 ernments began to eliminate the property requirement percent. In 2012 it decreased to 45 percent. United States to vote in any primary or other during the 1820s and 1830s. election for President or Vice President, for Turning Things Around: electors for President or Vice President, or Unfinished Business: How to Increase Voter Turnout for Senator or Representative in Congress, Lowering the Barriers to Voting There are a number of possible remedies to the decreas- shall not be denied or abridged by the United The fact that the Constitution told states they couldn’t ing voter turnout in the United States. Nine states have States or any State by reason of failure to pay deny certain groups the right to vote didn’t keep states adopted election-day registration, which means citizens any poll tax or other tax. (Ratified in 1964) from erecting barriers that ensured certain groups would can go to their polling place or county courthouse, register, be underrepresented in registration and voting. and vote all at one time. These states generally rank among In the late nineteenth century, in fact, many Southern those with the highest turnout in the nation. In 2012, they TWENTY-SIXTH AMENDMENT, Section 1. states tried to get around the Fifteenth Amendment’s guar- had a voter turnout 10 percent higher than other states. The right of citizens of the United States, antee of equal voting rights for blacks by adding “grand- Allowing people to vote at times and places other than who are eighteen years of age or older, to father clauses” to their state constitutions. These clauses the traditional Election Day visit to the polling station gen- vote shall not be denied or abridged by the generally limited the right to vote to those individuals who erally helps turnout. Thirty-two states currently do this. had been able to vote before the Fifteenth Amendment According to the League of Women Voters’ research, the United States or by any State on account of became law, along with their descendants. The Supreme degree to which people feel that the outcome of an elec- age. (Ratified in 1971) Court declared these laws unconstitutional in the early tion will affect them and their families has a lot to do with | twentieth century. whether or not they vote. In other words, people need MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 Over the years, states also have used Poll information that connects the election to what’s happening at work, in their communities, and in their homes. Yet another way to increase voter turnout is for citizens to become involved in encouraging friends, fam- ily members, and coworkers to vote. A country where just over half the voting-age population is counted on Election Day clearly can and should do a better job of involving citizens in our democratic process. 3 4 MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 | A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES is amajor decision for how thecandidates weigh asthey andDr.Fiorina BenCarson. Republicans Bobby Jindal, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Carly and 2012. In 2016we have Clinton and Hillary Democrat in2008 Clinton Obama andBarack Hillary and Democrats Reverend Al SharptonandCarol Mosely-Braun in2004, 1984 and1988, Republican in2000, Dole Elizabeth the exceptions inthepastinclude Jesse Democrat Jackson in the presidency have few been andfarbetween. Notable men for solong, candidates women for andminority and atleast35years old. Presidency U.S. aperson must anatural-born be citizen issues. policy of To on avariety and action qualify for the where have they built apublic record decision-making of where have they are they shown attractive to voters and ernorships, theU.S. Senate Representatives— or House of often thannot, come they from other elective offices—gov- themselves feel who More qualified to their country? lead must address. thecandidate thecampaign tions: of are These aspects all providemuch- they’ll information posi abouttheir policy they’ll whether “go negative” intheir advertising, andhow outreachorganize anddigital media strategies, their social ing, how many in, participate debates they’ll how they’ll in thesedecisions. How- go abouttheir fundrais they’ll ers, pollsters, usually andotherplay advisers major roles thecandidate’s run—though be will manag- campaign convey to voters. alsodetermine how They their campaigns focuson andthemessages they’ll theissues they’ll select presidential election. theattention, all get They andthey The Candidates andtheIssues Campaign Strategy: Where Do They Come From? 2012 2008 2004 2000 1996 1992 1980 1976 1972 1968 1964 1960 Source: Abstract Statistical theUnited of States. Deciding what issues to what Deciding focuson—and how to do that— Because dominated hasbeen politics American by white Where do come thesepeople from—these individuals candidates,The course, of are thestarplayers inthe Presidential Elections, Voter Turnout in Year 1988 1984 The Candidates 1960-2012 Voting-Age Population Percentage of 54.9 57.1 55.5 50.3 49.0 55.2 50.3 53.3 52.8 53.6 55.1 60.7 61.4 62.8

November Republicans, other parties, andindependents—come voters—Democrats,American of themajority of support to demonstrate “electability,” the to or theability attract them behind asconsensus candidates theparty and of going theearly andbeyondduring isto themainstream get thegeneralelection. during bility front-runners’ The goal their party’s voters of portions significant andprove alia- propose controversial alienate orthatmight goals policies However, rarely front-running candidates parties inboth faithful, e.g., wing. theconservative or theliberal wing theparty of making direct to appeals segments specific Parties enhanced cooperation between theexecutive and convenience andpractical system.political aparty of ations. andtheir standson theissues,merits affili- nottheir party that candidates judged should be onthought their personal andcounterproductivesary anation. within divisions They Britain, created believed unneces thatparties theframers - try. theway worked on their knowledgethings Based of in inthiscoun - parties political opposed to of theformation parties. In fact, theConstitution’s were framers resolutely volunteers, get-out-the-vote andhelp Day. on Election Republican advertising, sponsor political parties organize candidates andtheir agendas.vidual and Democratic The indi- andother thatsupport organizations parties political the U.S. presidency ismade easier by theexistence the of party’s nomination. didate may face ten or more competitors possible for the party. Standingout iskey going, intheearly acan- when differentiatewill them from theother contenders intheir dates, infact, just one or select two high-profile issues that key theelectorate.connect concerns with of Many candi- simple terms why are andproject they running ideas that by andthepublic, themedia candidates to need define in tobest connect with voters.American To taken be seriously Dividing theElectorateDividing Campaign Strategy: Early History: How thePolitical Came Parties to Be Many candidates to seek differentiate themselves by Before long, however, opposition early gave way to the U.S.The Constitution hasnothingto say aboutpolitical acompetitive running for challenge campaign The of Behind-the-Scenes Powers The Parties and Other The and Other Parties .

in running thepresidentialin running nominatingconventions, inthe to used comenational parties to four years life only every committee headquartered in Washington, D.C. While the reproductive guncontrol. choice andsome of forms for citizens. all also tendsopportunity to support party The public education, equal andpublic healthandinensuring active government role inprotecting theenvironment, Depression. amore support generally Democrats The problemsgrams, to designed alleviate by caused theGreat PresidentDemocratic Franklin Roosevelt’s New pro Deal - as themore progressive party, to due inlarge part reproductive choice andguncontrol. increases for inspending defense. alsotend They to oppose from welfare social to environmental protection, and lowersupport taxes, domestic programs of cuts inarange society’sment insolving ills. Republicans alsotend to advocategenerally alimited role for govern thefederal - theparty, opinion within there of isarange Republicans Party hasbecome increasingly conservative. Although therepublic.years of theearly changed during theseparties and thenamesof nated by two major parties. However, theconstituencies national policymaking and the election of thepresident. of andtheelection national policymaking to comethe country together andhave aninfluence on diverse like-minded groups of fromAmericans throughout counties, andtowns. More importantly, allowed parties government—from level thefederal down to thestates, coordinate among thedifferent policymaking levels of governmentlegislative branches of andmade iteasier to The National Committees Center Stage The Democrats andRepublicans Take The Life oftheParties: Each of the major political parties is led by isled anational parties themajor political Each of have Democrats The identified since been the1930s Many observers note thatinrecent years theRepublican From thebeginning, domi hasbeen politics - American ■ ■ ■ ■

Don’t go to place thepolling alone. your family,Find out if friends, and Talk to aboutthecandidates people Register to vote others andhelp register, the ability to increase to increase the ability Make adate to take aneighbor. the polls. Maybe isaride. need they all make decisions informed to andget haveneighbors to need they what to vote.important and theissues andwhy you it’s feel too. atwww.vote411.org started Get How you canhelp: voter in turnout We each have this country.this

last three decades they have shifted dramatically to full- In addition, in recent elections, individuals and orga- time professional organizations supporting state and local nizations with millions of dollars to spend have formed parties and recruiting and training candidates. special committees to influence the outcome of the In recent election cycles, a key function of the presidential and congressional races. In some cases, these DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE Democratic and Republican National Committees (DNC groups are established under the law so that they can and RNC) has been to raise money to support its party and accept unlimited funds and may not have to reveal who PRESIDENT U.S. CONSTITUTION, candidates. In 2012, the DNC took in $316 million and the their donors are. RNC raised $409 million. The amounts raised by the par- The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA), ARTICLE II ties almost invariably increase from one election cycle to placed new restrictions on what interest groups can do to the next. help favored candidates, especially in the period just before Section 2. The President shall be commander Election Day. in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, Who’s Sponsoring The Media when called into the actual service of the Broadcast television, radio news, and the mainstream That Ad? print and online newspapers and newsmagazines have United States; he may require the opinion, As the presidential campaign season enormous influence on the presidential election process. in writing, of the principal officer in each of gets under way, television, radio and digi- These pillars of the traditional media are still the sources the executive departments, upon any subject tal/online ads will start appearing out of from which the majority of Americans get most of their relating to the duties of their respective offices, nowhere. Make sure to listen or watch until news and information about the candidates, the issues, and the end of the ad for the sponsor—and if the election. and he shall have power to grant reprieves and it’s not a candidate’s campaign, take the In recent years, however, Americans have become pardons for offenses against the United States, whole thing with a grain of salt. increasingly disenchanted with the traditional media and except in cases of impeachment. If a radio or TV ad is paid for by a can- their dominant role in American politics. The public’s dis- He shall have power, by and with the advice didate’s organization, it is required to have trust of traditional institutions—together with the advent of new technologies—has opened the door to new ways for and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, “My name is X and I approved this ad” voters to get their election information. Radio talk shows provided two thirds of the Senators present (or something similar). That rule, passed to the Internet and twenty-four-hour cable news chan- concur; and he shall nominate, and by and as part of BCRA in 2002, is intended to nels offer a growing assortment of election information with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall make candidates and their campaigns more resources. accountable for what their advertising says. Over the last decade, social media sites, blogs, viral mar- appoint ambassadors, other public ministers keting, e-mail outreach and other vehicles for online infor- and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, mation sharing have virtually changed the definition of and all other officers of the United States, A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES The State and Local Parties “media” by democratizing the process and allowing every- whose appointments are not herein otherwise day citizens to shape the making of the news. Increasingly, The parties also have committees at the state and local provided for, and which shall be established levels throughout the country that play an important role candidates, supporters, voters and the media from all over by law: but the Congress may by law vest the in a presidential campaign. They keep up enthusiasm at the world are able to respond instantaneously and cheaply the grassroots, distribute campaign literature, and provide to events as they happen. appointment of such inferior officers, as they staff for candidates’ headquarters. Support from party think proper, in the President alone, in the leaders and volunteers at the state and local levels is con- Running for Coverage: courts of law, or in the heads of departments. sidered crucial to the success of a presidential campaign. The Candidates and the Media The President shall have power to fill up all Despite the burgeoning competition, the traditional Independents’ Day: media are still enormously important. Newspapers and vacancies that may happen during the recess Beyond the Parties network television still reach the largest audiences in the of the Senate, by granting commissions which The Democratic and Republican Parties have been the United States. A modern presidential campaign is as much shall expire at the end of their next session. dominant political parties in the United States for more a battle for favorable coverage in the mainstream news Section 3. He shall from time to time give media as it is a battle for votes. than a century, but for many years, a considerable number to the Congress information of the state of the of Americans have called themselves independents. A 2012 Some believe the major newspapers and the network union, and recommend to their consideration NBC/WSJ poll asked the question: Do you consider your- news programs can virtually create a presidential frontrun- self a (party identification)? The results were: 10% Just ner by giving a candidate valuable exposure or simply by such measures as he shall judge necessary and Independent, Republican Leaning Independent 12%, Not identifying the candidacy as the one to beat. Most news expedient; he may, on extraordinary occasions, outlets give the greatest coverage to candidates who have Strong Republican 7%, Strong Republican 22%, Democrat convene both Houses, or either of them, and Leaning Independent 10%, Not Strong Democrat 8%, the most money (their own money plus campaign con- in case of disagreement between them, with Strong Democrat 30% and Other 1% (total 100%). tributions), as well as the most favorable ratings in public | opinion polls. respect to the time of adjournment, he may MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 While acceptance by the mainstream media as a “major adjourn them to such time as he shall think Enter the Special Interests: candidate” is a crucial asset, a candidate can attract media Independent Groups Step Up attention and buzz by performing unexpectedly well. The proper; he shall receive ambassadors and other Their Campaign Activity unexpected rise of a little-known candidate, with innova- public ministers; he shall take care that the laws The political parties aren’t the only organizations work- tive tactics and appeal, attracts ratings and readers. be faithfully executed, and shall commission all ing to influence the outcome of American elections. Recent There are plenty of well-known ways to draw favorable the officers of the United States. presidential and congressional races have seen groups such media attention: Stage events with “good visuals” for the Learn more at: as the Christian Coalition, the AFL-CIO, the American television cameras and news photographers, such as large Medical Association, the Tea Party, and many others play- crowds enthusiastically waving banners and American www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Article2 ing an increasingly important role in promoting candi- flags. dates and their ideas and getting Americans to the polls. 5 6 MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 | A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES cares aboutreal people. fee shop to convey themessage thatthisissomeone who ing economic issues, or room afamily living orcof alocal - is theenvironment, thecandidate isaddress- if or afactory thetopic lake the candidate is talkingabout—apristine if ing on Presidential elections. in2008. spent andRepublican Obama lion thatBarack John McCain in2004andtotalspent wasaboutdouble the$1.2bil- George W. nominee John Bush andDemocratic Kerry the combined thatRepublican $646.7million President Mitt Romney $1.24billion. spent Each amountwasdouble $1.107billion in2012.spent His Republican challenger in2008,to fundingfor federal thegeneralelection reject amount, on based Federal Commission Election filings. U.S. campaign, election more thanfourthe2004 times Coverage? How to Find Election theBest approved thisad” (or somethingsimilar). required to include thisstatement, “My nameisXandI ispaidfor ad or TV by acandidate’s organization, itis where thecandidates stand.downs of example, by searching online for more break detailed - mainstream press, thealternatives—for check out some of the candidates on and their positions theissues from the you don’t you’re feel about information enough getting tion you receive media. of If from thedifferent all types These areThese huge increases compared historic- spend with President Obama, Barack nominee thefirst major-party Presidential candidates $2.34billion inthe2012 spent Don’t by fooled be from ads other sources. aradio If Recognize theinfor thepluses andtheminuses of theissues some backdrop of A dramatic thathighlights ber of people who choose to who people check thebox.ber of And, it’s your taxes of theonly part thatyou candesignatepurpose! for aspecific actually you’ve already paid into the Presidential Fund. Election dependthe Fund entirely our democracy on sizeand The the strengththe num of - of Checking thebox your atthetop taxreturn does notincrease of thetaxes you pay or reduce your refund. thetax It simply deposits $3.00of What Happens When aTaxpayer Checks thePresidential Fund Election Box on Their Tax Return? For Disclosure, PrivacyAct,andPaperwork ReductionActNotice, seeseparateinstructions. Income Gross Adjusted Form 1040-V. please use payment. Also, not attach,any Enclose, butdo see page20. get aW-2, If youdidnot was withheld. 1099-R iftax W-2G and attach Forms W-2 here.Also Attach Form(s) Income check here instructions and dependents, see If morethanfour Exemptions box. Check onlyone Filing Status Election Campaign Presidential instructions. See separate and SSN Address, Name, Who Gives It, Who It Gets Form 1040 ▶ Money: N C R R A P Y E T L L I

(1) FirstnameLast U.S. IndividualIncomeTaxReturn Department oftheTreasury—InternalRevenueService ▶ City, townorpostoffice,state,andZIPcode.Ifyouhaveaforeignaddress,seeinstructions. Home address(numberandstreet).IfyouhaveaP.O.box,seeinstructions. If ajointreturn,spouse’sfirstnameandinitial Your firstnameandinitial For theyearJan.1–Dec.31,2010,orothertaxbeginning 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 7 1 3 2 9 8a 6a b a a a a a b b d c . . . . . Check hereifyou,oryourspousefilingjointly,want$3togothisfund

Dependents: fee-basis governmentofficials.AttachForm2106or2106-EZ ae,slre,tp,ec tahFr()W2 ...... Wages, salaries,tips,etc.AttachForm(s)W-2 d ie 3truh3aad3 hog 5 ...... Subtract line 36 fromline22.Thisisyour adjustedgross income . . . . Add lines 23through 31aand32 through 35 ...... Tuition and fees. Attach Form 8917 . . . . Student loan interest deduction . . . . IRA deduction ...... Penalty onearly withdrawalofsavings . . . . . Self-employed healthinsurance deduction ...... Self-employed SEP,SIMPLE, andqualifiedplans . . . . . One-half ofself-employment tax.AttachScheduleSE . . . . . Moving expenses.AttachForm 3903 . . . . . Health savingsaccountdeduction.AttachForm8889 ...... Educator expenses ...... Other income.Listtypeandamount ...... Unemployment compensation ...... Farm incomeor(loss).AttachScheduleF . . Rental realestate,royalties,partnerships,Scorporations,trusts,etc.AttachScheduleE . . . . . IRA distributions . . . . Other gainsor(losses).AttachForm4797 . . . . Capital gainor(loss).AttachScheduleDifrequired.Ifnotrequired,checkhere . . Business incomeor(loss).AttachScheduleCC-EZ . Alimony . Taxable refunds,credits,oroffsetsofstateandlocalincometaxes received ...... riaydvdns tahShdl frqie ...... Ordinary dividends.AttachScheduleBifrequired . . Taxable interest.AttachScheduleBifrequired ulfe iied ...... Qualified dividends . . . . . Tax-exempt interest.Donotincludeonline8a . . . . Total numberofexemptionsclaimed Pensions andannuities Domestic production activities deduction. Attach Form 8903 Alimony paid Certain businessexpensesofreservists,performingartists, and Combine theamountsinfarrightcolumnforlines7through 21.Thisisyour Social securitybenefits and fullnamehere. Married filingseparately.Enterspouse’sSSNabove Married filingjointly(evenifonlyonehadincome) Single hc o a . . . Spouse . . Yourself. Ifsomeonecanclaimyouasadependent,donotcheckbox6a ma- b Recipient’sSSN ...... and generalelections.) Romney declined to accept fundsintheprimary federal Responsive Politics. (Note: andMitt Obama Barack Both 20012 elections, according to theFECandCenter for andMitt Romneydential candidates Obama inthe Barack exceed $1billion in2016. hugeThese “independent” expenditure may campaigns candidate campaigns. $609,417,654supporting and spent there were 1,310super PAC’s $828,224,700 thatraised avoid candidate thenormal contribution limits. In 2012 their candidatesdirectly by support usingSuper PACs to candidates. Donors are contributing lotsmore to money andunions orcorporations to oppose federal support Super PACs unlimited fundsfrom can raise individuals, Commission (see Court Weighs“The In” below), these Court’s United inCitizens 2010ruling v. Federal Election candidate Super PAC. theU.S. of Because Supreme funded by donations from members. their individual on campaigns, money own PACs form canlegally but they prohibited from donating to candidates or their spending their ads. own Business andlaborunions corporations are independently, money and canspend such asby running Committees, cancontribute to candidates andparties committees. action political form PACs, Political Action The Cost ofRunning for Presiden Attacks ofthePACs ▶ Romney Mitt Barack Obama Candidate These are the total amounts of money spent by spent money presi areThese thetotal- amountsof A new element inthe2012presidential race wasthe Groups thatwantto have influence inU.S. often politics 20a 16a 15a social securitynumber

▶ (2) Dependent’s Total Funds Raised Last name Last name (in millions$) $1,238 $1,107 2010 relationship toyou (3) Dependent’s , 2010,ending Federal Funds (in millions$) b b b 5 4 31a 9b 8b 35 34 33 32 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 $0.00 $0.00 aal mut . . . Taxable amount . . . . . Taxable amount . Taxable amount t Qualifying widow(er)withdependentchild child’s namehere. the qualifyingpersonisachildbutnotyourdependent,enterthis Head ofhousehold(withqualifyingperson).(Seeinstructions.)If (99) qualifying forchildtaxcredit total income (4) ✓ifchildunderage17 IRS UseOnly—Donotwriteorstapleinthisspace. at the federal level.at thefederal comprehensive ever finance adopted campaign legislation intoamendments law signed in1974represented themost islators finance thecampaign issue. revisited FECA The involved big donors to President Nixon’s campaign,- leg ing. donors to contributions- theirandspend political report 1971. Among other things, thelaw required candidates and into law theFederal Campaign Election Act (FECA)of in1907. illegal campaigns President Richard Nixon signed alawpassed makingcorporate contributions to federal aconcernbeen throughout America’s history. Congress A Short History ofCampaign Finance History A Short How Did We Here? Get (see page15) After the Watergate 1972–1974, scandalof which contributions has on politics campaign of effect The , 20 Apt. no. Cat. No.11320B ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ change yourtaxorrefund. Checking aboxbelowwillnot Spouse’s socialsecuritynumber Your socialsecuritynumber 20b 16b 15b ▲ 9a 8a 37 36 22 21 19 18 17 14 13 12 11 10 7 } OMB No.1545-0074 You Make suretheSSN(s)above and online6carecorrect. lines above Add numberson not enteredabove Dependents on6c (see instructions) or separation you duetodivorce • didnotlivewith • livedwithyou on 6cwho: No. ofchildren on 6aand6b Boxes checked Form

1040 ▶ Spouse (2010) Among other things, the law: Public Funding Independent Advocacy: • Strengthened requirements for reporting of Presidential Elections Really Independent? of campaign contributions and spending. Candidates in every presidential election since 1976 have For interest groups that want to influence elections, help • Set new limits on spending in been eligible to receive public funds to cover some of the favored candidates, and damage candidates they don’t like, congressional elections. costs of their campaigns. The idea behind public funding there are ways to do so independently of the official cam- • Limited the size of contributions to of presidential elections is to make candidates less depen- paigns and political parties. candidates and parties and put a cap on an dent on contributions from special interests and wealthy individual’s total contributions per campaign cycle. donors. Public money for presidential elections comes • Created a system of public financing to support from a fund supported by the “taxpayer check-off” on the campaigns of presidential candidates who How to Decipher the Polls individual tax returns agree to specific contribution and spending limits. During a presidential election race, the news media The public financing system is voluntary for candi- • Created an independent agency, the Federal Election often become fixated not on the candidates’ ideas or their dates—it offers them a deal, which must be made attractive Commission, to enforce the new rules. campaigning, but on the latest poll results. Here are a few for them to agree to it. The deal is: If you agree to limit things to keep in mind as you sort through all the num- the amount of money you raise and spend and play by The Court Weighs In our rules, we will give you lots of money for your cam- bers: In 1976, the Supreme Court held parts of the FECA paign—partial funding in the primaries and full funding unconstitutional with its decision in Buckley v. Valeo. The in the general election. Up until 2000, almost all candidates • Who sponsored the poll? Special-interest Court declared that mandatory spending limits on congres- found this set of trade-offs agreeable and participated. organizations often sponsor polls that are sional campaigns violated the Constitution’s free-speech In 2000, the system began to show weakness, when designed to place their issues at the top of the list protections. However, the justices let stand the spending George W. Bush declined to accept public financing for of voters’ concerns. limits for presidential candidates who accepted public funds, the primaries and instead raised more money from private • Who was surveyed? Was it all adults or just likely asserting that these were voluntary limits and thus could sources. Both he and his Democratic opponent Al Gore voters? All parents or parents of school-age kids? pass constitutional muster. accepted public financing in the general election, though. Such factors can have a dramatic impact on poll The Court also ruled in Buckley that independent groups Neither Obama nor Romney accepted public funding in results. and individuals could spend unlimited amounts of money— 2012. a decision that has had an enormous and lasting impact. It seems very likely that the best financed candidates will • How were the questions worded? The exact Though the Court may have been thinking of small, local forgo public financing in both the primary and general wording of survey questions also can skew the groups, this decision gave rise to large amounts of money elections in 2016. results. being spent by national interest groups. • When was the survey conducted? A poll is a The 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission How Much Can snapshot of people’s opinions at a specific time. ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that the First If one candidate is getting favorable attention in Amendment protects corporate and union political funding You Give a Candidate? A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES Want to support a candidate yourself? Individuals may the news during the week of the poll, then the and that the government may not ban political spending numbers are likely to reflect it. by them in candidate elections. It struck down previous contribute up to $2,700 to a presidential candidate during campaign finance reform provisions that prohibited such the primary election campaign, whether or not the candi- • What is the margin of error? Typically, a groups from “electioneering communications,” such as date accepts public matching funds. reputable poll has a margin of error of 5 percent broadcast, cable or satellite communications that mention During the general election, major-party candidates who or less. Translation: If the margin of error is 5 a candidate within 60 days of a general election or 30 days have accepted public funding may not accept individual percent and one candidate is ahead in the poll by of a primary. The case did not involve the federal ban on campaign contributions, with minor exceptions. However, 5 percent, then it’s just as likely that the race is a direct contributions from corporations or unions to can- if a candidate does not accept public financing for the dead heat. didates or political parties, which are still illegal in federal general election (this happened for the first time in 2008), races. But, the introduction of candidate Super PACs (see then individuals can contribute another $2,700 to a presi- Remember this: The only poll that matters is the official “Attack of the PACS”) into the 2012 presidential race with dential candidate for the general election. one on Election Day. There’s no telling what will happen their “big money” influence is an unfortunate result. The sky’s the limit when a presidential candidate refuses until the people vote. to accept public funds and the accompanying restrictions on campaign contributions and spending.

Individuals & organizations To each candidate or candi- To national party To state, district & local party To any other political action Addition National Party committee may give election donations date committee per election committee per calendar committee per calendar year committee (PAC) per accounts [2] year calendar year [1] Individual $2,700* $33,400* $10,000 (combined limit) $5,000 $100,200* per account, per year

National Party Committee $5,000 [3] No limit No limit $5,000 | State, District & Local Party $5,000 No limit No limit $5,000 MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 Committee (combined limit) (combined limit) PAC $5,000 $15,000 $5,000 (combined limit) $5,000 $45,000 per account, per year (multicandidate) PAC $2,700* $33,400* $10,000 (combined limit) $5,000 $100,200 per account, per year (not multicandidate) Authorized Campaign $2,000 [5] No limit No limit $5,000 Committee * Indexed for inflation in odd-numbered years. 1. “PAC” here refers to a committee that makes contributions to other federal political committees. Independent-expenditure-only political committees (sometimes called “super PACs”) may accept unlimited contributions, including from corporations and labor organizations. 2. The limits in this column apply to a national party committee’s accounts for: (i) the presidential nominating convention; (ii) election recounts and contests and other legal proceedings; and (iii) national party headquarters buildings. A party’s national committee, Senate campaign committee and House campaign committee are each considered separate national party committees with separate limits. Only a national party committee, not the parties’ national congressional campaign committees, may have an account for the presidential nominating convention. 3. Additionally, a national party committee and its Senatorial campaign committee may contribute up to $46,800 combined per campaign to each Senate candidate. 7 8 MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 | A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES good ones?good Take your them off “Favorites” list. Women Voters’ VOTE411.org.not-so- the And forful information voters such astheLeague of sites good out there thatprovide of plenty - help • • vote. A few factors to keep inmind: where interests special to canseek influence your culturewheeling, wide-open alsomakes itaplace you’ll bet a good findit. But theInternet’s free- you’re information kindof what for, looking it’s great election-year resource for voters: No matter

rize thecandidate.rize provide falseor- information misleading sati candidates can sothey that mimicthesites of up set campaigns,Web people some During sites interests.their political own the candidates’ andbackgrounds to views serve aboutthecandidates,ries others distort andstill and innuendo, others publish patently falsesto - election information. Some websites thrive on rumor of source the determine to Try The bottomThe line: Surfer, beware! There are theInternet makes iswhat openness ita The of Surfer, Beware! Electoral CollegeElectoral 2016 Map

paign are independent.) paign nottruly thatare coordinatedactivities thecam- with reasoncampaign. isthat for thisrule (The “independent” closed to theFECandisnotcoordinated acandidate’s with dates. aslong isdis- asthespending legal isperfectly This endorsingadvertising candi- individual andother activities on committees money unlimited canspend amountsof Issue Advocacy Independent Expenditures through issue ads. toare expressed us canbe important to officials elected aboutissues that to inthe media speak tutional right candidate indisguise. ads Ourconsti- elections. However, issue are ads all not to influenceto theoutcome federal try of for corporations, laborunions andothers issue advocacy anincreasingly popular way ence to vote for thecandidate. hasmade This explicitlydidate telling theaudi- without often to for acan- designed build support by are run organizations ads electoral Issue just ads before or issue anelection Individuals, corporations, unions, action andpolitical 2014. to used onthiscompetition politics call Some experts dential contest were in money andraising busy campaigning cash, campaign contendersing amountsof inthe2016presi- schedule to increas andtheneed raise - front-loaded primary followed, andeven accelerated, thispattern. the of Because primary. thefirst caucusor party has of 2016election The for funds “the invisible primary.” tender’s candidacy. announcement formal of In- theearli est stages of thecampaign, est stages of “unannounced” presidential Presidential have campaigns always wellinadvance started Campaigning Unannounced Laying theGroundwork: candidates try to build afavorable candidates try image intheir party A presidential campaign begins long beforeA presidential begins acon campaign - and throughout the country by makingfrequentand throughout thecountry public speeches and appearing at important party functions. party atimportant andappearing speeches connections with party leaders, party andcreateconnections with afounda- It isnow common for presidential candidates to PART 2- THE PROCESS are to build name recognition, make important andcaucus states such primary leadoff visiting start as Iowa andNew Hampshire two years or more parties’ contenders. visits theseearly of goals The before voters inthosestates choose among their Early Action tion of support in states that traditionally have set the tone delegates that have committed themselves to a particular for the primary season. Website Directory candidate that they will represent at the party’s national convention. Although voters may see the candidate’s name The Money Chase: PAC It Up • VOTE411.org - Has all the information you at the primary poll, they are actually voting for delegates Another established practice among would-be candi- need to participate in the election. that will represent the candidate. Sometimes the delegates dates long before a presidential election is to establish one name and party is listed and shows the candidate they will • C-SPAN’s campaign Web page - represent. or more political action committees. These “leadership www.c-span.org/campaign2016 PACs” allow candidates to collect contributions that do not A caucus is a meeting of members of a political party on count against their presidential fundraising and spend- • Factcheck.org - Nonpartisan site checks the the precinct level, the smallest election district. Thousands of caucuses occur at the same time and date throughout a ing limits—as long as they haven’t officially filed with the accuracy of political ads and allegations. Federal Election Commission as candidates for president. state. The ostensible purpose of the PACs is to make contri- • Federal Election Commission - Official site In most states, only voters registered with a party may butions to other politicians in their campaigns for office. of the government agency that regulates cam- vote in that party’s primary, known as a closed primary. In With PAC money, however, candidates also are able to paign finance. www.fec.gov some states, a semi-closed primary is practiced, in which travel around the country, hire staff and consultants, and voters unaffiliated with a party (independents) may choose develop mailing lists and fundraising appeals that will • FollowTheMoney.org a party primary in which to vote. In an open primary, form the basis of their presidential campaigns. any voter may vote in any party’s primary. Also, there are • League of Women Voters - www.lwv.org presidential preference contests, which are merely “beauty The Money Chase: • National Student/Parent - Mock election contests” or straw polls that do not result in the selection nationalmockelection.org of any delegates, which are instead chosen at caucuses. The Exploratory Committee Nearly all states have a binding primary, in which the The next step is to file papers with the Federal Election • The Center for Responsive Politics – non- results of the election legally bind some or all of the del- Commission (FEC). This allows candidates to start raising partisan site on money in U.S. elections. egates to vote for a particular candidate at the national money for polling and other campaign activities that will www.opensecrets.org convention, for a certain number of ballots or until the move them closer to a formal announcement. candidate releases the delegates. A handful of states prac- Filing papers with the FEC usually coincides with • PollingReport.com tice a non-binding primary, which may select candidates to announcements by candidates that they have formed an a state convention, which then selects delegates. “exploratory committee” to investigate the possibility of a show they’re normal Americans and haven’t forgotten their Often less than 25 percent of eligible voters participate presidential run. Even if it’s clear that the candidates have roots. in the primaries and less than 10 percent for caucuses. every intention of running for president, this exploratory Even though the media and the public usually know These voters tend to be more partisan than general election committee provides an escape hatch should they decide the exactly what will be said at the announcement, the can- voters. That means that Republican primary voters tend to

time’s not right to run. Equally important, the announce- didate’s campaign makes the most of the opportunity to be more conservative; Democrat voters more liberal. A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES ment of an exploratory committee offers candidates an rouse the troops, highlight the candidate’s unique qualifi- Thus, to win over these voters during the primary cam- early shot of free publicity that can be repeated later on, cations and background, and offer a compelling vision for paign candidates often speak about issues that are more when these candidates make it official that they are run- the country’s future. partisan and ideological. ning for president. The announcement provides the candidate with a great To learn more about your state’s primary or caucus, visit Raising lots of money early in the game shows that a opportunity for free publicity, as reporters and television their election site or your local/county election office. candidate is a serious contender and therefore helps raise crews from throughout the country draw attention to the even more money. Candidates have to file quarterly finan- candidate’s bid for the presidency. The Early States: cial reports with the FEC, and these are public records. So Iowa and New Hampshire all interested players can immediately see who is doing well After the Early Going: in “the money primary.” The Iowa caucus is the first major electoral event of the A Winnowing of the Field nominating process for President of the United States. The By the end of the year preceding the presidential elec- New Hampshire primary is the first primary election held Competing for Talent: tion—for the 2016 election, that means the end of 2015— in the United States. Lining Up Key Advisers and Staff the field of contenders for the party nominations usually These states have traditionally served as an early indica- Another important task in the early going of a presi- has narrowed. tion of which candidates might win their party’s nomina- dential campaign is to line up a campaign team. Often, tion. Winning these two states has become so important candidates will compete for their party’s top strategists and that potential candidates start campaigning years in consultants—individuals believed to have the skills and The Primaries and Caucuses advance. Winners receive front-runner status and addi- It used to be that a political party’s nominee for presi- the experience to help ensure the success of a candidate’s tional media exposure that may help them in the primaries dent was selected by influential party members at the par- campaign. that follow. Of course a real campaign team includes top advisors as ty’s national convention—generally after a lot of wheeling well as hundreds, and often thousands, more. Other key and dealing in smoke-filled rooms. Realizing that this was players are the campaign volunteers throughout the coun- not a very democratic way to choose a major-party presi- | try who help organize local events, manage digital out- dential candidate, the Democratic and Republican parties MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 reach, distribute bumper stickers and buttons, and support have over the last half century opened up the process to the candidate at the local level. voters. The result is today’s often confusing schedule of primaries and caucuses which makes voters—and not Making It Official: party leaders—the VIPs in choosing the parties’ presiden- tial nominees. The Announcement The series of Presidential primary elections and caucuses A presidential candidate’s formal announcement often is a very important step in the long, complex process of looks like a homecoming rally, with cheering crowds, ban- electing the President of the United States of America. The ners, balloons, and emotional appeals to family, home, primary elections are run by state and local governments and country. More often than not, the candidates return in the states that do not have caucuses. to the places where they were born or grew up so they can The goal of the primaries and caucuses are to choose 9 10 MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 | A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES opportunity for up-and-coming party leaders. for up-and-comingopportunity party elections. for thefour years andpriorities between presidentialrules dential candidates, conventions officially establish party In to addition nominatingtheir presidential presi andvice - theparties. thetopcially decision-making body of for anationalparty. authority of conventions The are offi - offensive.the fall its nominee, for thevoters, define itself thetone andset for squabbles theprimaries, thatoccurred during unite behind and jockeying to put aside anyallows theparty intra-party season to inthefall. thegeneralelection convention The ing pointinthepresidential from campaign theprimary candidate prepare convention. asthey for theparty to unifyaround start the later point,faithfulwill theparty didate seems likely after to Super win Tuesday, or atsome wellamajor advantage. perform thosewho acan- giving If to thenation,signal which showing candidates are popular, in thenomination process. asa canact primaries early The inorder for primaries earlier tovie claim greater influence season.and thuselection compressed States theprimary day.an incredibly influential primary won. themostnominatingdelegates canbe when is This elections, day andthesingle taneously holdtheir primary The Function oftheNational Conventions What’s All About? 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• • • • The majorThe items on theconvention agenda are: asalaunching alsoserve exposure andmedia pad They conventions party The play roles. formal some important conventionsThe are thehighest, source mostimportant conventions nationalparty The - theofficial turn mark yearThis more states have moved forward their primaries Super Tuesday istheday themoststates when simul- both the primaries andthegeneralelection. theprimaries Learnmoreboth at: www.opensecrets.org. dental race. These are figures for candidates,all bothand Democratic Republican, in CenterThe for Responsive Politics provided thisrecord for spending the2012presi- of Where theMoney Comes From Rally the party faithful. theparty Rally next four years; Adopt for thatgovern the therules theparty Adopt platform; anationalparty Nominate candidates for president president; andvice The Conventions TOTAL conventionsFEC /Public fundsfor party Convention hostcommittee spending PAC /Independent to presidential contributions candidates (presidental spending 527 group &other races) andRepublicanDemocratic National Committees to presidential contributions candidatesIndividual

teers, money. notto mention agreat deal of andvolun- and their campaigns, staff andlarge numbers of thecandidates zation, of disciplineon enormous thepart task.is astaggering It requires aneffective- nationalorgani where more are to individuals than200million vote eligible different ways aspossible. To accomplish thisinacountry to to appeal asmany inasmany people different kindsof thepresidential is candidates thefall of during the goal commercials.political andblanketing theairwaves poll-tested the country with tion, thecandidates andtheir supporters crisscrossing with resentatives, to embrace their issues. wanttheparty all who ronmentalists to andfarmers laborunion andbusiness rep- pundits,television issue advocates, along with from envi- ventions. There are representatives media alsohordes of and andcaucuses. theprimaries during that voters made months before throughout thecountry choose theparty’s standard-bearer but to confirm thechoice candidate.specific delegates coming to theconvention a to pledged support the andcaucusesintheir states,the primaries most of with egates. delegates, convention and theDemocratic about5,000del - American electorate.American the refine of their message soitresonates amajority with approachas they season ishow thegeneralelection to decision thecandidates facing themostimportant perhaps for organizations. thecandidates andtheir campaign But A Shift to theCenterA Shift Who Are All These People? The Delegates: Campaign Strategy: With andtheconventions theprimaries them, behind Today’s contest generalelection produc isanelaborate - course,Of thedelegates aren’t theonly atthecon people - theconvention job of The to delegates hasnotbeen Convention delegates are on based theresults selected of In 2016, theRepublican convention seatabout 2,500 will The fall brings with it a number of strategic decisions strategic itanumber of with brings fall The The General Election The General Election Campaign

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the polls. out-the-vote loyal thatbring (GOTV) campaigns voters to DayElection approaches isto organize comprehensive get- parties, andindependent organizations, amajor focusas ers; infact, do soattheir peril. they For thecandidates, the mean thecandidates canignore their mostloyal- support group.important thisall- of have thesupport paigns on focused attracting electorateAmerican inrecent years, presidential cam- independent votersof asizeable 10to the 12percent of voteslines or whose are upfor grabs. still With thenumber don’ters—individuals who necessarily vote along party either way inthepresidential election. on focus their campaigning “swing states” thatcould go where their chances are slim. candidates The generally victory, arethey assured of conceding while thosestates tendthey to make only token appearances instates where have they feel they winning. achanceAt of thesametime, in astate receives thatstate’s of all votes. electoral so thatthecandidate receives who themost popular votes states award votes their electoral on awinner-take-all basis, erate interest out thevote. andturn inthecampaign todidates organizations rely gen- on state party andlocal voters. To cover help themany places can’t they visit, can- appearances andtheir advertising to groups of specific tion. It alsomeansthatthecandidates have to their target on College votes theElectoral required- theelec to win theelection.decisive of indetermining thewinner be stateswill feel focus on specific andregionsthatthey voters.among all meansthatthecandidates This have to state orfor inevery them to campaign wage afull-fledged availableand money to candidates, itsimply isn’t possible time maximum thelimited effect. amountsof of Because must also decide how for to their target campaigning to the abroad electorate, crossAmerican of section they are abandoning theircommitments. earlier supporters or make they asthough itappear their primary walk for the candidates, don’t they because wantto offend broad appeal,with faithful. beyond theparty to need adoptthey amore mainstream message, amessage to amuch connect larger with audience.trying means This toappealing voters theirparties, own but now are of they thecandidates were intheprimaries Because primaries? …Without Ignoring Swing Voters……And Targeting Key States… Targeting aCandidate’s Appeal Campaign Strategy: The importance of swing states and swing voters states andswing swing doesn’t of importance The Just asthere states, are swing there vot are alsoswing - Learn more College on abouttheElectoral page 13. Candidates devote to their energies thelargest states that Under College system, theElectoral the of almostall For campaign, awell-run thatmeanskeeping your eye At thatthecandidates thesametime have to reach out “Shifting to thecenter,” asitiscalled, isoften atightrope Why tinker amessage thatworked with fineinthe Y our Base Campaign Tactics: formats are: The Candidates in Control • Single moderator: one moderator asks the questions; • Panel: a panel of journalists or experts question the The Federal Election Campaign Act, which establishes candidates; the rules for presidential campaign financing, requires • Town hall: questions are submitted by members of candidates to create national organizations to handle cam- the audience or randomly selected voters, in person paign contributions and expenditures. As campaigns have or by phone or email. The Town Hall format allows grown more complex, these campaign organizations have for questions to be submitted in advance or during become more professional, relying on political consultants, the debate. media experts, and pollsters to plot strategy and provide information and advice. The campaign generally has a The debate usually begins with an introduction of the close relationship with the national party, with the presi- candidates, who may also be given time to make opening dential campaign playing the dominant role. statements. The heart of the debate takes place when the A finely tuned and cohesive campaign organization can candidates are asked questions and they respond. There make the difference in steering a candidate to victory. usually is a time limit for responses. The questioner may ask follow-up questions to get the candidates to explain or Campaign Tactics: clarify their responses. Some debates give candidates an A Little Help from My Friends opportunity to “cross–examine” or ask questions directly The candidates and their organizations aren’t alone in of each other. At the end of the debate, the candidates are waging their campaigns, however. The political parties and usually given time to make closing statements. other groups play very important roles in promoting their candidates of choice. After the campaign organizations Before The Debate themselves, the parties are the most important players. Thinking about and preparing for the debate before it takes place will enable you to get the most from watching Campaign Tactics: it. It will familiarize you with the candidates and issues. The preparation will help you focus on what to look for in Four Campaigns at Once takes the campaign directly into voters’ living rooms and Today’s presidential candidates the debate so that you will get the information you need in allows the candidates to project a fine-tuned, deciding who to vote for. essentially wage four campaigns poll-tested image. at the same time. The first is the The fourth and newest arena consists of the It will help if you take some time before the grassroots campaign. While the fast-evolving online world of the Internet. candidates themselves have little debate to: This includes candidate websites and their • Follow the campaign to learn about the A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES direct involvement in it, national presence on social networking sites like campaign staff help to give it candidates and their backgrounds; Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Wikipedia, as • Find out what the important campaign issues are; direction. It includes hundreds of digital advertising strategies, as well as cam- local campaign headquarters and • Decide what issues are most important to you; paign blogs (which also means monitoring • Think about the questions you may have and the party organizations, from which the flow of messages in the blogosphere volunteers and a few paid staff reach out information you want to get from the debate to and responding quickly to them). help you in your decision making; into local communities. They register vot- ers, make phone calls, send out mail, help • Open your mind to new opinions/impressions of friendly voters apply for absentee ballots, Debate Watching the candidate regardless of party affiliation. put up signs, do door-to-door canvassing, and get-out-the-vote on Election Day. While each 101 You may want to make plans to get together with friends of these activities is small in scale, when multi- or family to watch the debate. Watching the debate in a What Is A Debate? group and discussing it afterwards helps to clarify your plied by thousands, their combined impact can A debate is an event at which carry a state. thoughts about what was said in the debate and how the the candidates meet face-to-face candidates performed. The second level of campaigning is “on the to answer questions that are ground,” and includes all of the candidate’s appear- asked of them. This gives the ances and speeches, as well as the appearances candidates a chance to state throughout the country of key supporters, from the their views and to respond to candidate’s spouse and children to the vice presidential their opponents’ statements. nominee, Hollywood celebrities, and prominent party It gives viewers a chance to The Cost of Consultants leaders. The on-the-ground campaign is tightly con- directly compare the candi- The cost of presidential campaigns is pushed trolled by the candidate’s campaign organization, with dates and their positions. up in part by consultants—these are private | advance teams scoping out locations, rounding up enthu- Debates usually take place MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 siastic, cheering crowds, and creating compelling visuals in front of a live audience firms hired by the campaign organizations to for television by placing the candidate before a dramatic and may also be televised or supply expert advice. By far the most expensive backdrop and distributing truckloads of banners, signs, broadcast on the radio or of these are the media consultants, who develop and American flags among the crowd. the Internet. A televised or The third campaign in which the candidates are engaged broadcast debate allows many strategies, get the TV and radio ads made, and is an on-the-air battle of radio and television commercials. more people to watch and then place the ads. These media consultants This advertising is the most expensive line item in the cam- learn about the candidates and take a commission on all media buys, so they paign budget—an estimated one-third of the more than issues. $2.6 billion spent on the 2012 presidential campaign. The Debates can follow different have an incentive to spend as much as possible. advertising gives the candidates massive nationwide expo- formats, or a combination of sure that they couldn’t possibly achieve on the ground. It formats. The most common 11 12 MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 | A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES performance of thecandidates: performance of thedebatethese to andthe you help of judge thefairness questions? During The Debate During The

• debateThe andquestions: format When watching thedebate, questions like askyourself • • • • • • • candidates:The opportunity to andrespond speak toopportunity give theformat Does each candidate anequal Are thequestions clear, fairandequallytough Does themoderator toDoes need say lessandlet Is themoderator thedebate? incontrol of to you?important thequestionsDo cover theissues thatare candidates?on all Are their proposals realistic? Can they opponents? positions, ormostly doattack their they and talkabouttheirpolicies own they Do andfigures? facts arguments with and their positions support they Do the issues, ingeneralities? orspeak do they give they abouttheir standson Do specifics them or failtoevade answer question? thespecific answer they questionsDo directly, or do they the candidates say more?

After The Debate After The U.S. Today Problems Facing Important Most The

making?

candidates.

this by: reflect you on what have just seen andheard. You cando you takeand theissues if someafter time thedebate to www.VOTE411.org www.debates.org www.lwv.org Dissatisfaction with govt. with Dissatisfaction LWVUS Presidential Debate Archive: Women of League Voters: Other Resources: • • • • • Commission on Presidential Debates: Race Relations /Racism Unemployment/Jobs Economy in general • • • • • • • Media coverage: • • • It will help clarify your aboutthecandidates clarify help It thoughts will Asking yourself if you somethingnew learned if Asking yourself likely to vote candidate; for aparticular thatmakesdeciding whether you more or less candidate and those on which you disagree, and Identifying the issues on which youa with agree appears mostqualified for theoffice; got from watching thedebate, which candidate Asking yourself, on based you theinformation watched thedebate; Comparing your impressions others who with listening to thecommentaries; Turning andavoid theTV off Do they show they Do how their backgrounds and sincere, appear they Do confident andrelaxed? out thepromises are they carry actually positions frompositions news reports, candidate Web sites moreGetting aboutthecandidates’ information you wantto follow upon; questions abouttheissues or thecandidates that you aboutwhether Thinking have more about theissues or thecandidate; previous positions, and if not, positions,previous andif do they Are their answers consistent their with experience qualify them to holdtheoffice? to confirm your the current impressions of Watching later debates for more or information sites such as VOTE411.org; voterand nonpartisan information Web If you areIf watching thedebate on television, or “canned”? their responsesDo overly appear rehearsed to create?What image are trying they explain why? commentators immediately before comments made by reporters and Are you influenced being by or conflict? drama create asense of are reaction shotsor other techniques to used and after thedebate?

14 percent 10 percent 12 percent

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to this: thevoters’ the candidates decision aboutwhich of to inhelping munity make thisdecision. It comes down voter—where itbelongs. Join others in your with com- the passesinto finally American thehandsof election November 2andNovember 8, thepresidential control of cit. rate,savings and America’s huge defi andpersistent- trade andMedicare, Security Social the people’sAmerican low U.S.aging population andthepressures on bring thatwill and even theworld’s, future, warming, such the asglobal On theTuesday inNovember between thatfalls A number of other to issues are the nation’s, important A number of Source: Gallup Poll, May 6-10, 2015 money Lack of Federal budget deficit Education Healthcare Immigration Ethical /Moral decline Election DayElection

2 percent 3 percent 4 percent 5 percent 6 percent 6 percent they feel is most qualified to lead the nation. asking about their polling place. The League of Women electors are identified. Way states can help boost voter turnout are by early vot- Voters’ site – www.VOTE411.org – provides this infor- To learn more about the electoral college and the elec- ing programs by mail or in-person and allowing voter to mation. toral vote in your state visit: www.electoral-vote.com. register to vote or update their voter registration close to or 9. Tweet any problems you are seeing to #votingproblems. on Election Day. Tabulating the Outcome: Some basic things you can do: A College Education: The Results Are In! 1. Vote and encourage others to vote, including early or How Does the Electoral College Work? Before the advent of television, electronic voting absentee if needed. The Electoral College was established by the founding machines, and computerized balloting, it could take days 2. Find out about the candidates and their positions: read fathers as a compromise between election of the president or even weeks for the nation to know whom it had elected the papers, check the websites; visit VOTE411.org by Congress and election by popular vote. The people of president. But starting in the 1950s, and accelerating in 3. Decide what you’re looking for in a candidate. the United States actually vote for electors who then vote later decades, this process changed. The national TV net- 4. Evaluate the candidates’ stands on the issues important for the President. works began coverage of election returns while the polls to you. The Constitution authorizes each state to appoint a were still open and continued until the results were known, 5. Learn about the candidates’ leadership abilities. number of electors equal to the number of representatives which generally didn’t take very long. 6. Talk about the candidates and issues with friends, rela- (435) plus senators (100) that the state has in Congress. Early projections of election results became a contro- tives, and coworkers. Provide information by e-mail, To this total of 535, the Twenty-Third Amendment added versial public issue. Critics said that by predicting the out- instant-message, blogs or mail. three for the District of Columbia-the same number of come while Americans were still voting, the media were in 7. Verify your voter registration status and make sure you electors as the least populous state—bringing the total of effect discouraging some people from voting. have the correct ID required to vote in your state (check the college to 538 members. As a result of these concerns, the major broadcast and www.VOTE411.org for the rules). If one candidate for the office of President (and one can- cable networks decided to wait until a state’s polls have 8. Make sure you know where to vote. The vast majority of didate for the office of Vice-President) gets 270 electoral closed before reporting election results for that state. But calls received on Election Day hotlines are from voters votes—a majority of the total numbers of 538 electors—a they still are able to project a winner of the presiden- President has been elected. tial election before the polls close in all states across the The Constitution is silent on how a state is to choose country. The media emphatically point out that their its electors. In the early years, legislatures adopted several First Amendment right to freedom of the press would be methods: appointment by legislature, election by the peo- violated by any restrictions on their announcing election ple on the statewide basis, or a combination of these meth- winners. ods. But by 1836, almost every state was using a popular Thanks to computerized tabulation of ballots and a vote system. technique known as exit polling, now the winner is often On Election Day, when voters in each state go to the announced just hours after the polls have closed. polls, each one casts a ballot for the slate of presidential A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES electors who are pledged to support the candidate the voter Making It Official prefers. These slates have been selected by political parties, Normally, by the morning after the election, the final through conventions, committees or primaries. results are in, and the entire country knows who the next In some states, only the names of the president and vice president will be. But whether we have presidential and vice-presidential a normal election or a contested one, the outcome still candidates appear on the ballot, has to be made official. In December, the members of the masking the fact that voters Electoral College travel to their state capitals to cast their are choosing electors rather official electoral votes, sign some necessary documents, than voting directly for and pose for pictures, before returning home. When the candidates. In the Congress convenes in January, senators and representatives other states, both gather for a joint congressional session, and the official candidates and results are announced from all the states. At noon on the 20th of January following a presidential election, the term of the preceding president ends and that of the incoming president begins. At a formal inaugura- tion ceremony, the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court swears in the president and the vice president before mem- bers of Congress, government dignitaries, representatives of foreign governments, and important well-wishers, as well as a national television audience. After an inaugural address and parade, the new president is on the job. The American people have made their choice | and are looking to the new president to prove them right. MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011

13 14 MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 | A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES in the story to determine help themeaning.in thestory Look upyour you don’t theword, know themeaningof usecontext clues word, theword. your definition of vocabulary own write If the newspaperon anongoing basis. When you first finda ions. most persuasive, more more or opin with facts - thosewith on yourBased analysis, evaluate which ones you thinkare on one side facts andopinions on theother. with sheet issues and/or thecandidates.election Make atwo-column editorials, andletters cartoons to theeditor on focused with. agree about acandidate’s thatyou position either or agree dis- Now thecartoon? of create your editorialcartoon own knowledge didyou to need on inorder call to make sense cartoons? tools inthevarious What used isbeing prior aboutthecandidates.editorial cartoons Which these of symbols, caricatures,use of andanalogies. stereotypes Find tools to communicateof their message. Among them are Write aLetter to theEditor aboutyour results. biased initscoveragepaper toward candidate? aparticular or negatively on thecandidate? on your Based results, isthe forlished each candidate? How many reflected positively the candidate was portrayed. How many stories were pub- stories for eachate candidate thenumber aswellhow of stories inthenewspaper.elections Now analyze- andevalu thenewspaper.the bias of the all pull time Over of aperiod news stories andcandidatechoice coverage of canreflect dates isusually confined to theeditorialpages. However, focuson differentently? they anissue Do or event? slices of on thesameissues report themedia orDo events differ Which provides themostin-depth, accurate information? and contrast thecoverage between thesenews sources. aboutinthenewspaper,ed on TV, andonline. Compare youran editorialsupporting candidate. and choose thecandidate thatrepresents your stance. Write Before decide where theelection you standon theissues show have thatthey altered on their positions anissue. cuss theissues. Take therecent notice candidate if quotes stand on. cycleAt theelection pointsduring dis- various by issues andthen by thecandidate position what took a quotes by thepresidentialof candidates. thequotes Sort viewpoint? to aparticular youDo to or you aneffort lead findopinions inthestory a story. Read stories. elections Identify inthestory. thefacts the facts. thereporter’s Sometimes bias own isreflected in stands out, why? tions on to issues thatare you. important Which candidate aboutthecandidates.per Analyze andevaluate- their posi Teachers andStudents Newspaper for Activities Election Find election wordsBoard: Findelection Vocabulary in Election Editorial Opinion:From find theeditorialsection Editorial Cartoons: useavariety Editorial cartoonists Editorial Bias: Anewspaper’s opinions aboutcandi- Comparing Follow Media: - anissue report thatisbeing Candidate Quotes: Develop aclassroom portfolio Bias intheNews: News stories are supposed to present Assessing theCandidates: inthenewspa- Findarticles - warming, the trade deficit,warming, thetrade andtaxes/federal budget deficit. gration, crime, reproductive choice, environment/global insurance, defense/homeland security, education, immi- issues such as: the warinIraq, theeconomy, healthcare/ guide where showing thecandidates standon important Using andonline resources, newspaperarticles create a When Where, Why &How) inthefirst paragraph. questions. Make sure to usethe5W’s andH(Who, What, Finally, theanswers your to with your news write story to your questions usingthenewspaperandInternet. choices would they make. Now to findtheanswer try ask them aboutthecurrent President’s choices andwhat Presidentialence with candidates. Write questions you’d ing. Now pretend you are anews reporter atapress confer decisions orchoices policy thecurrent President ismak- youthis lead to support? tion do youandwhy? with agree Which candidate does theroad.tive of middle or perhaps or liberal Which- posi thecandidates, stancedetermine thepolitical of - conserva on from information thenewspaperandonline sources, each positions sidewhat takes on major issues. Based conservativereach andliberal. adefinition of Also discuss accurate. tion, on based thefinalresults, were thepolls determine if the candidates? Who appearslikely to win? 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claims. issues. techniques are: tothe media avoter’s take advantage of emotions. Some by used members candidates,the tricks and staff campaign another.didate rejecting while Citizens shouldunderstand and images hoping to persuade them one to can- support Campaign Techniques Congressional Studies, andPresidential American University) Some of these techniques areSome to of inads alsoused make How does understanding thetechniques people help toRead abouttheelection identify at newspaperarticles Testimonials: • Promising theSky: • Plain Folks: • Passing theBlame: • Name Calling: • Statements: Loaded • Guilt by • Generalities: • Evading Real Issues: • Cardstacking: • Bandwagon: • Before voters each election are word bombarded with (Credits: from adapted R. andJamesActivity SamGarrett A. Thurber, Center for important person endorse a important promiseselection thatare a candidate. attempt to to people get relate to “one theregular folks” of isan problem beyond their control. a thecauseof being of party accusing another candidate or or symbol. some one usinganegative name an opponent bad. look to anddistorted facts maketruths their supporters or of actions an opponent or for theviews kept. be will don’t explain how thepromise thatpromisephrases alotbut give direct answers or details. soastosubject avoid having to around the or changing asubject that support thecandidate’sthat support “Cardstacking” gives only thefacts anissue.one side of makepeople uptheir mindson effective technique to used help “everyone isdoing else it” isan Association: Pretending to be Claiming that Generalities are Generalities Having some Presenting only Referring to Unfairly Making Using half- Talking Criticizing Criticizing 2016 Presidential Primary Calendar

February 2016 • Monday, February 1: Iowa caucus • Tuesday, February 9: New Hampshire • Saturday, February 20: Nevada caucus (Dem), South Carolina (GOP) • Tuesday, February 23: Nevada caucus (GOP) • Saturday, February 27: South Carolina (Dem) March 2016 • Tuesday, March 1 (Super Tuesday): Alabama, Alaska (GOP), Arkansas, Colorado caucuses, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota caucuses, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia • Saturday, March 5: Kansas caucus, Kentucky (GOP caucus), Louisiana, Maine (GOP), Nebraska (Dem caucus) • Sunday, March 6: Maine (Dem) • Tuesday, March 8: Hawaii caucus (GOP), Idaho (GOP), Mississippi, Michigan • Sunday, March 13: Puerto Rico (GOP)

• Tuesday, March 15: Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES Carolina, Ohio • Tuesday, March 22: Arizona, Utah • Saturday, March 26: Alaska caucus (Dem), Hawaii caucus (Dem), Washington caucus (Dem) April 2016 • Tuesday, April 5: Wisconsin • Tuesday, April 19: New York • Tuesday, April 26: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island May 2016 • Tuesday, May 3: Indiana • Tuesday, May 10: Nebraska (GOP primary), West Virginia • Tuesday, May 17: Kentucky (Dem primary), Oregon June 2016 • Sunday, June 5: Puerto Rico (Dem)

• Tuesday, June 7: California, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota | MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 • Tuesday, June 14: District of Columbia

States with multiple dates for caucuses and/or conventions: North Dakota, Wyoming July 2016 • July 18 to 21: Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH • July 25 to 28: Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA Sources: http://www.uspresidentialelectionnews.com, November 6, 2015 15 16 MONDAY • OCTOBER 3 • 2011 | A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES