Voter Registration
Brandon Bates
Registration Requirements and Procedures
You must be...
- 18 years of age
- live in the area you are registering
- and be a U.S. citizen
According to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, you can acquire registration services through drivers' license registration centers, disability centers, schools, and libraries.
Steps to Voting
Step 1. Obtain a ballot.
Go to the location of your polling place. At the polling place, sign an application for ballot. A judge of election will determine the ballot on which you are qualified to vote and, after initialing it, will give it to you and direct you to a voting booth.
Step 2. Marking the ballot.
A ballot consists of columns of names of offices and candidates. Read the instructions and be mindful of the number of candidates to vote for in each office. You are not required to cast a vote in all offices. You may cast a write-in vote for a candidate whose name is not on the ballot.
Step 3. Check your ballot.
Look at the positions you have marked.
Step 4. Preserve the secrecy of your ballot.
Place your voted ballot in the security sleeve provided to preserve the secrecy of your ballot.
Step 5. Cast your ballot.
- Take your ballot to the judge of election in charge of the ballot box who will cast the ballot for you. If you have any questions concerning the ballot be sure to ask those questions before your ballot is cast.
Who Votes and Who Doesn't
Straight vs. Split Ticket Voting
Straight Ticket Voting: You only vote for candidates of a particular party.
Split Ticket Voting: You vote for one candidate at a time from both parties.
Ballot Fatigue
Voting Related Amendments
15th Amendment- No one can be denied the right to vote.
17th Amendment- Allows you to directly vote for senators.
19th Amendment- Granted women the right to vote.
23rd Amendment- Allows you to vote in Washington D.C..
24th Amendment- Ended poll taxes.
26th Amendment- Allows you to vote at the age of 18.
Timeline of Suffrage
1870- 15th Amendment prohibits denying a persons right to vote based on their race.
1920- 19th Ammendment grants women the right ot vote.
1944- Smith vs. Allwright- Prohibits denying African-Americans the right to vote.
1960- Civil Rights Act of 1960 introduces penalties to anyone who obstructs an individuals voting rghts.
2006- Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 prohibits the use of tests to deny and individual the right ot vote.