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Voting Matters to Me

The Why, Who, and How of VotingA Four-Lesson Unit

Designed for high school students to inspire them to become life-long voters

VOTING MATTERS TO ME

© 2014• Learning Law and Democracy Foundation2395 University Avenue West, Suite 220, St. Paul, MN 55114

http://www.teachingcivics.org

AuthorsJoEllen AmbroseJennifer BloomAlex GrayFiliz Yargici

All rights reserved. Permission granted nonprofit educational use

©2014 Learning Law and Democracy Foundation Permission granted for nonprofit educational use

Contents

Unit Overview of Lesson.................................................................................................................... 4

Overview of Lessons.......................................................................................................................5

Lesson One: Why Should Voting Matter to Me?................................................................................7

Issues That Matter to Me Survey and Signs..................................................................................11

Voter Cards for Lesson 1 Activity..................................................................................................25

Lesson Two: Essentials of Voting......................................................................................................28

Essentials of Voting PowerPoint...................................................................................................31

Why? Who? How? Graphic Organizer..........................................................................................32

Voter’s Bill of Rights......................................................................................................................33

Essentials of Voting Vocabulary....................................................................................................34

Sample Ballot 2014 General Election Ballot..................................................................................37

Lesson Three: Voting as Easy as 1-2-3..............................................................................................39

Voter Scenario Cards....................................................................................................................44

Voter Scenarios Answer Key.........................................................................................................50

Diagram of Precinct Voting Station...............................................................................................57

Polling Place Signs........................................................................................................................ 58

Greeter Judge Instructions...........................................................................................................68

Roster Judge Instructions............................................................................................................. 69

Registration Judge Instructions....................................................................................................70

Demonstration Judge Instructions................................................................................................72

Instructions for Voters..................................................................................................................72

Ballot Judge Instructions...............................................................................................................73

Ballot Counter Judge Instructions.................................................................................................74

I Voted Sticker Template.............................................................................................................. 75

Roster of Registered Voters..........................................................................................................76

Voter Oath....................................................................................................................................77

Voter Receipts.............................................................................................................................. 78


Small Group Voting Scenarios.......................................................................................................79

Anticipation & Note Guide............................................................................................................84

Voter Prep 101................................................................................................................................. 86


Voting Matters to MeLesson One: Why Should Voting Matter to Me?

Unit OverviewThis 3-4 day voting unit will prepare students to vote by showing students why voting matters to them on the issues they care about. It will inform students about Who? Why? and How? of voting. Students will experience the process of voting and key steps in becoming a prepared voter. Each lesson stands alone offering choice and flexibility for classroom use. The unit is adapted from updated election information available at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website: www.sos.state.mn.us or www.mnvotes.org. Unit lessons can be found at www.teachingcivics.org.

Why teach this unit? A fundamental purpose of education is to prepare students for their role as active and engaged citizens by teaching the importance, skills and rights of voting.

Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies

9.1.1.1.1 Demonstrates skills that enable people to monitor and influence state, local and national affairs.

9.1.1.1.2 Demonstrate the skills necessary to participate in the election process including registering to vote, identifying and evaluating candidates and issues, and casting a ballot.

Unit Content Objectives

Students will be able to:

examine current topics and rank how much the topic matters to them personally. evaluate the impact of voter turnout on the topics they care most about. understand information on why people vote, who votes and how people vote. apply voting information to precinct voting situations on an election day. demonstrate skills necessary to participate in the election process such as registering to

vote and casting a ballot. demonstrate skills of voter preparation in order to identify and evaluate candidates and

issues. demonstrate skills that enable people to monitor and influence state, local and national

affairs.

Vocabulary

See Election Vocabulary Handout

Assessments

Graphic Organizer on Voting Anticipation/Note sheet on Voting as Easy as 1-2-3


http://www.teachingcivics.org/

http://www.mnvotes.org/

http://www.sos.state.mn.us/


Overview of LessonsLesson Activities Learning Objectives Materials

Lesson 1: Voting Matters to Me (20 -30 minutes)Ask students, why vote? Does it really matter to you?

Do lesson on “Voting Matters to Me”

Discuss issues in current election

Students will be able to: examine current topics and

rank how much the topic matters to them personally.

evaluate the impact of voter turnout on the topics they care most about.

Student Issue Survey, Voter Cards, Issue signs

Lesson 2: Essentials of Voting (50 - 60 minutes)Students complete a graphic organizer on voting

Why do people vote? Who votes? How do you vote?

Show Powerpoint on Voting from MN Secretary of State

Election Vocabulary quizlet

Students will be able to: understand information on why

people vote, who votes and how people vote.

Voting Graphic Organizer, Voting Powerpoint,Sample Registration forms and sample ballots, Election vocabulary and quizlet,Voter’s Bill of Rights

Lesson 3: Voting as Easy as 1-2-3 (45-60 min.)

Students complete Anticipation/Note Guide

Class simulates a precinct voting stationORSmall group exercise with voting scenarios

Debrief with Anticipation/Note Guide

Students will be able to: apply voting information to

precinct voting situations on an election day.

demonstrate skills necessary to participate in the election process such as registering to vote and casting a ballot.

Note Student Guide, Voter Simulation power point, Election Judge Instructions, Voter Scenarios Handout, Polling place signs,Voter Scenarios, Small-Group

Lesson 4: Voter Prep 101 (45-60 Students will be able to: Evaluation of



minutes)

Chart on voting obstacles and responses

Getting ready to vote where do I vote? what is on the ballot? who should I vote for?

Evaluate partisan and non-partisan sources of voter information

Evaluate websites with checklist

Identify reasons why people don’t vote and explore ways to remove obstacles to votingdemonstrate skills of voter preparation in order to identify, and evaluate candidates and issues.

Evaluate sources of voter information in order to monitor local, state and national elections.

website checklist



Lesson One: Why Should Voting Matter to Me?This lesson encourages young people to get involved in the electoral process by ranking issues that matter most to them and then seeing how the realities of voter turnout impacts the issues they care most about.

Grades: 9-12




LEARNING OBJECTIVES

● Students will examine topics and rank how much the topic matters to them personally.● Students will evaluate the impact of voter turnout on the topics they care most about.

MATERIALS

Student Handouts ‘Issues that Matter to Me’—student issue survey on current topics. ‘Voter Cards for Lesson One Activity’—to be printed, cut and distributed to students. See

chart for breakdown of voting cards reflecting voter turnout. Issue Signs for chosen 6 topics to be posted around the room.

DURATION 30 minutes

PROCEDURE

1. Ask students about issues that matter to them. Ask, “What would you like to see changed in our community?”

2. Hand out a list of suggested changes. Directions, “For each change, rank how important that change is to you personally. You may choose from three options: very important, important, not at all important. Be prepared to explain your choices. At the end, choose the topic most important to you.”

3. Ask students to stand up by the issue that matters most to them. Signs with the issue are posted around the room. If you choose only 6 topics to put up as signs, it groups more



students together for a stronger impact. You may want to tell class that these are the most important issues in this particular election cycle. Students may have to stand by their second choice topic.

4. Randomly hand out voting cards to each student (draw out of a hat). Each student gets one card. See box for instructions on creating voting cards.

5. While they are standing, you may want to ask them why they care about the issue. Ask questions which help students realize why the issue matters to them. Opinions on the issues may be part of the discussion but it is their beliefs about its importance that are the basis for the next step.

6. Once they have their voting card, say the following:


Break down of voter turnout by age in 2010 Congressional election.

Number of

Students in class

Millennials

18-20 year olds

16.4% VT*

Generation Xers

35-44 year olds

37.7% VT*

Baby Boomers

Over 65

58.9% VT*

12 0/4 1/4 2/4

24 1/8 3/8 5/8

30 1/10 3/10 6/10

36 2/12 3/12 7/12

42 2/14 4/14 8/14

Note: 41.8% total VT*

*Table 399. Voting-Age Population – Reported Registration and Voting by Selected Characteristics: 1996 to 2010, U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2012

Print voting cards and mark an X if they are in the percentage that voted.

Example for Class of 24 – 8 cards labeled Millennial (only 1 card has an X to show voting)

8 cards labeled Gen Xers (3 cards have “X” to show voting)

8 cards labeled Baby Boomers (5 cards have “X” to show voting)


If you have a card that says Millennials, you are voters ages 18-20. Only 16% of you voted for Congress in 2010. If you have a X marked on the back then you actually showed up to vote so stay standing. If you do not have an X then sit down.

If you have a card that says Generation Xers, you are voters ages 35-44. Voter turnout in your age group was 37%. If you have a X marked on the back then you showed up to vote so stay standing. If you do not, then sit down.

If you have a card that says Baby Boomers, you are voters over age 65. Voter turnout in your age group was 59%. If you have a X marked on the back then you showed up to vote so stay standing. If you do not, then sit down.

7. Look around the room at where people who voted are standing.

These people are the voters in an election that elects members to Congress. This election takes place every 2 years and these statistics are from the 2010 “midterm” election because it is in the middle of a 4-year presidential term. Historically, voter turnout in midterms is much smaller. In 2010, only 41.8% nationwide of all registered voters actually voted and in Minnesota it was 55%. Compare this to the 2012 Presidential election, national voter turnout was 58.7% and 76.1% in Minnesota. However, each of the issues that you care about are decided by Congress and state legislatures – the law-making branch.

Ask the class:

Which issues are going to be important to the next term of Congress or Minnesota Legislature? Which issues will be ignored?

What happened to your top issue? Will it be a priority for lawmakers? If you like the policies of the current President and in the midterms the opposite party wins

a majority in the House/Senate, what will happen to the President’s ideas for laws? Or if you don’t like current policies, how can you change direction?

Do you trust the 1/3 of your class standing to decide issues that matter to you? Remember young people are 1-2 of the people standing, so how might your issue get

decided? Do you want your grandparents deciding your issue?

So, why vote? It matters to you!

7. ASSESSMENTStudents identify issues that matter to them for follow-up activity on issues (deliberations, political party platforms) and voting essential information (lesson 2).

8. RESOURCESYou may wish to utilize additional resources on voter turnout statistics:



Youth Voting Statistics from CIRCLE at Tufts Universityhttp://www.civicyouth.org/quick-facts/youth-voting/

Minnesota Statistics 1950-2012 (PDF) from Office of the Minnesota Secretary of Statehttp://www.sos.state.mn.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=9232

National Voter Turnout Statistics from United States Election Project: http://www.electproject.org/

U.S. Census Bureau Voting and Registration Datahttp://www.census.gov/hhes/www/socdemo/voting/

Turnout Statistics from Nonprofit Votehttp://www.nonprofitvote.org/all-resources/


http://www.nonprofitvote.org/all-resources/

http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/socdemo/voting/

http://www.electproject.org/

http://www.sos.state.mn.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=9232

http://www.civicyouth.org/quick-facts/youth-voting/


Issues That Matter to Me Survey

Read each topic and determine how important it is to you. Be prepared to explain your choice.

VI = Very Important I = Important NA = Not at All Important

_____ 1. Should marijuana use be legalized?

_____ 2. Should all cell phone use be banned (not allowed) while driving?

_____ 3. Should the U.S. continue its use of drone strikes abroad?

_____ 4. Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

_____ 5. Should certain pesticides be banned in order to protect honey bees?

_____ 6. Should junk food be banned from school lunches?

_____ 7. Should there be drug testing in schools?

_____ 8. Should unaccompanied children entering the U.S. illegally be deported?

_____ 9. Should the draft be reinstated (brought back)?

_____ 10. Should the gas tax be repealed (taken back)?

_____ 11. Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

_____ 12. Should the age of retirement be raised from 66 to 70?

Look at the topics you marked Very Important. Now decide which topic is THE MOST IMPORTANT to you. You will be asked to stand by the issue you care most about.


Voting Matters to MeLesson 1: Why Should Voting Matter to Me?

ISSUE IMAGES

Marijuana Use ©2014 Learning Law and Democracy Foundation Permission granted for nonprofit educational use


Phones While Driving



Child Immigration

Crisis©2014 Learning Law and Democracy Foundation Permission granted for nonprofit educational use


Sources of images:

1. http://www.cityofferndale.org/government/departments/community-development-department/marijuana- regulation/

2. http://www.nwinjurylawcenter.com/Personal-Injury-Blog/americans-drive-more-distracted-than-europeans.html

3. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB126102247889095011

4. http://wkyufm.org/post/kentucky-senators-help-defeat-federal-minimum-wage- increase-tennessees-corker-only-gop-yes-vote

5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bee

6. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/3646056.stm

7. http://all-len-all.com/2770-teens-drug-tested-by-company-headed-by-school- principals-brother/

8. http://blog.y-axis.com/?p=3206

9. http://www.militaryinfusion.com/blog/

10. http://business.financialpost.co m/2013/02/19/get-the-most-out-of-tax-deductions- for-car-expenses/

11. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/ articles/805956/raising-a-weepublican-or- a-demoquat-getting-your-kids- involved-in-politics

12. https://www.saveup.com/blog/retirement-savings-sacred-case-never-taking- early-withdrawal/


http://blog.y-axis.com/?p=3206

http://all-len-all.com/2770-teens-drug-tested-by-company-headed-by-school-principals-brother/

http://all-len-all.com/2770-teens-drug-tested-by-company-headed-by-school-principals-brother/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/3646056.stm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bee

http://wkyufm.org/post/kentucky-senators-help-defeat-federal-minimum-wage-increase-tennessees-corker-only-gop-yes-vote

http://wkyufm.org/post/kentucky-senators-help-defeat-federal-minimum-wage-increase-tennessees-corker-only-gop-yes-vote


Voter Cards for Lesson 1 Activity

Millennials Millennials






GenerationXers

GenerationXers

GenerationXers

GenerationXers

GenerationXers

GenerationXers

GenerationXers

GenerationXers



BabyBoomers

BabyBoomers

BabyBoomers

BabyBoomers

BabyBoomers

BabyBoomers

BabyBoomers

BabyBoomers


Voting Matters to MeLesson Two: Essentials of Voting

Lesson Two: Essentials of Voting This lesson covers critical information about voting and Minnesota election law. It can stand alone as an informative lesson on elections, or provide content applied in the precinct polling place simulation in Lesson 3: Voting as Easy as 1-2-3.

Grades: 9-12




LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to understand information on why people vote, who votes and how people vote. Eligible students will be given an opportunity to register to vote.

MATERIALS

Teacher Materials

Essentials of Voting PowerPoint

Video It’s Election Year, Minnesota! (2 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgitJk7IE9A&feature=youtu.be Vote Early, Vote Absentee! (1 minute 30 seconds)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5k4xay2Yvc&feature=youtu.be

Student Handouts

Handouts included in this packet: o Who? What? How? Graphic Organizero Essentials of Voting Vocabulary and Quizlet o Voter’s Bill of Rights o Sample Ballot from 2014 General Election

Handouts to download:o Students can register to vote online at mnvotes.org; o To download and print a paper voter registration application, visit:




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5k4xay2Yvc&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgitJk7IE9A&feature=youtu.be


DURATION

1 class period (about 50-60 minutes)

PROCEDURE

1. Introduction ActivityHave students begin completing a graphic organizer on voting based on their current knowledge about voting answering:

Why do people vote? Who votes? How do you vote?

2. Instruction Activity Show Essentials of Voting PowerPoint made by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. There are 31 slides that review why voting is important, who can vote, how to vote in Minnesota, rights of voting and key things to remember.

Students can complete the graphic organizer as they listen.

Hand out election vocabulary terms as resource during PowerPoint.

Hand out registration forms, sample ballots, and Voter’s Bill of Rights to supplement the PowerPoint.

View videos o It’s Election Year, Minnesota!” (2 minutes) — Animated, fast-paced video

provides voters with an overview of the voting process. Also available in Hmong, Somali and Spanish

o"Vote Early, Vote Absentee!" (1 minute 30 seconds) — Animated video provides voters with details of the absentee voting process.

3. Collect Completed Registration Forms — If using paper forms, you can with the voter’s permission, mail or drop off the form on their behalf. Make sure the student understands the eligibility requirements for voting before signing. Applications must be received by the Office of the Secretary of State, or by the voter’s county auditor, within 10 days of when the voter signed and dated the application.

4. Closure - Review the last slide: Key Things to Remember. Do they have all of the key things on their graphic organizer? Summarize voter eligibility, the process of voting and voter rights. The voting simulation will demonstrate how the voting process works!



ASSESSMENT

Completion of Voter Graphic and possibly voter registration and sample ballot.

Class can do the election vocabulary quizlet at http://quizlet.com/45297243/minnesota-election-vocabulary-flash-cards/alphabetical



Essentials of Voting PowerPointDouble-click on the image below to open the PowerPoint Presentation



Who? What? How? Graphic Organizer


Why? Who?

How? * Key Things to Remember

Voting


Voter’s Bill of Rights1. You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state

or federal election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation time on election day for the time necessary to appear at your polling place, cast a ballot, and return to work.

2. If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the right to vote.

3. If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register to vote and to vote on election day.

4. If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your identity with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.

5. You have the right to request special assistance when voting.6. If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a

person of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.

7. You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into the voting booth with you.

8. If you have been convicted of a felony but your felony sentence has expired (been completed) or you have been discharged from your sentence, you have the right to vote.

9. If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court order revokes your right to vote.

10. You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to influence your vote.

11. If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the right to receive a replacement ballot and vote.

12. You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.

13. You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.14. You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting

booth with you.



Essentials of Voting VocabularyQuizlet link: http://quizlet.com/45297243/minnesota-election-vocabulary-flash-cards/

Absentee - A method of voting before Election Day, in person or by mail, using an Absentee ballot (available 46 days before an election). Voters in the military and voters residing outside the United States must follow a special process for voting absentee.

Address - The numbers and names used to indicate where mail is to be sent. For voting purposes, this must be a place of residence, not a PO box.

Automark - A ballot-marking device that provides privacy and independence to voters who cannot, or choose not, to vote using a pen. It can display the ballot in large print or with a high-contrast background; it can read the ballot to the voter through headphones; and it allows the voter to select candidates through a keypad, touchscreen or sip-and-puff device.

Ballot - The piece of paper that the vote is written on.

Ballot Counter - The person or machine that counts votes.

Ballot Marking - When voters indicate their choices by filling in the oval next to the candidate of their choice.

Delegate - Someone who is picked to represent other people.

Disenfranchisement - When a person or a group of people are prevented from voting.

Election Day Registration (EDR) - The same as "Same Day Registration." In Minnesota and some other states, you are allowed to register at the voting site just before voting.

Election Judge - The person in charge of overseeing a polling place and making sure a fair election is conducted.

Eligibility - Meeting all of the requirements (such as age and citizenship status) to be able to vote.

Endorsed Candidate - A candidate who is publically supported by a political party, other people or organizations.

Exit polling - Surveys of voters, anywhere outside of the room being used as the polling place. An individual conducting an exit poll may only approach a voter after he/she has voted to ask him/her to participate in filling out an anonymous written questionnaire.

Federal Election Commission (FEC) - A federal agency with responsibilities related to campaigns for federal office.


http://quizlet.com/45297243/minnesota-election-vocabulary-flash-cards/


Felon - Someone who has committed a felony (serious crime). In Minnesota, a felony is a crime punishable by a year or more of imprisonment. In Minnesota, a felon is able to vote after completing probation and parole (this is sometimes called "off-paper").

Guardianship - A legal arrangement where a court appoints a guardian to care for someone who is physically or cognitively impaired. People under guardianship have the right to vote, unless a court order revokes (takes away) their right.

Misdemeanor - A type of crime that is less severe than a felony. In Minnesota, this is a crime that is punishable by a sentence of 90 days or less. There are also "gross misdemeanors" and "petty misdemeanors." A person convicted of a misdemeanor can still vote.

Municipality - Any city or township.

Parole - When a prisoner is released from incarceration on the condition of good behavior. The person must complete his/ her parole before he/ she can register or vote.

Political Party - An association of individuals under whose name a candidate files for partisan office. (The current Major Political Parties in Minnesota are the Independence, Republican and Democratic-Farmer Labor parties. The current Minor Political Parties in Minnesota are the Grassroots and Libertarian parties. Other political party names may also appear on ballots for partisan offices.)

Polling Place - The physical location where voting takes place.

Poll - A place where votes are cast; also refers to a survey to assess public opinion or to forecast an election.

Pre-registration - Registering to vote before voting day. This can be done through the mail, online, or in person at an elections office.

Precinct - Also called an "election district." Each precinct contains one polling place. A city or county is often divided into many precincts.

Primary - An election at which voters choose the nominees for a general election.

Probation - An alternative to spending time in a correctional facility for a criminal offender. A felon on probation cannot vote, and it is a felony for a person on probation to register to vote in Minnesota.

Recount - A process where election officials review each ballot that was cast on Election Day to determine precisely the vote count between two candidates whose vote margin is extremely close.



Referendum - A ballot question posed to voters for them to decide. Often referendums ask voters to approve or reject taxes or funding for schools and local governments.

Roster - A list of voters registered in a precinct that contains additional information about each voter, such as current residence address and date of birth (DOB).

Same Day Registration - The same as "Election Day Registration." In Minnesota and some other states, you are allowed to register at the voting site just before voting.

SSN - Social Security Number

Spoiled Ballot - A ballot that has been filled out incorrectly (intentionally or unintentionally) and is therefore not counted.

Turnout - The percentage of eligible voters who voted in an election.

US Citizen - A person born in the United States of America or its territories, or a person who has completed the required steps for "naturalization." Only a US citizen of 18 years of age or older can vote in US elections.

Voter Fraud - Voting illegally, either intentionally or unintentionally. This includes voting more than once and voting when unqualified to do so. This is a felony.

Voting Booth - A booth or table where a person can cast their vote in secrecy.

Voter Rolls - A list of all registered voters in an area. Usually includes names and addresses.

Vouching - A way of proving residence in order to register on Election Day in Minnesota. A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address.

Write In - When a person writes in the name of a candidate that is not listed on the ballot.

Ward - An area of a city that has been divided for some purpose of an election.

Voter Suppression - An attempt to influence the outcome of an election by discouraging or preventing people from exercising the right to vote.



Sample Ballot 2014 General Election Ballot


Voting Matters to MeLesson Three: Voting as Easy as 1-2-3

Lesson Three: Voting as Easy as 1-2-3This lesson teaches students the basics of the voting process through a polling place simulation. The classroom turns into a polling place where students role play election judges and voters. Scenarios demonstrate facts about voter eligibility, the process of voting and voter rights.

Grades: 9-12




LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will understand the process of voting. Students will evaluate particular voting situations to determine voter eligibility, the process

of voting and voter rights.

MATERIALS

Student handout, “Anticipation and Notes for Voting as Easy as 1-2-3” and Diagram of Precinct Voting Station.

Power Point on Voting Simulation Voting Poll Simulation materials: Map of Polling place, Voter Scenario Cards, Voter

Scenarios Answer Key and Materials at Judge station (see below)

Materials For Each Judge’s station:

1. Station 1 Greeter Station— Greeter Judge Sign; Instructions for Greeter Judge2. Station 2 Roster Station—Roster Judge Sign; Instructions for Roster Judge; Roster of

Registered Voters; Voter Receipts; Pens; Voter Oath3. Station 3 Registration Station—Registration Judge Sign; Instructions for Registration Judge;

Voter Registration Application; Voucher Form; Voter Oath; Pens; Voter Receipts. To download and print a paper voter registration application, visit: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=4222

4. Station 4 Demonstration Judge Station—Demonstration Judge Sign; Instructions for Demonstration Judge; Pens; Marking Pen




5. Station 5 Ballot Judge—Ballot Judge Sign; Instructions for Ballot Judge; Sample Ballot; File folders to be used as secrecy folders; Spoiled ballot folder. For Sample Ballot, see Lesson 2 materials.

6. Station 5 Voting Area—Voting Booth and Auto Mark Signs; Optional: Patriotic fabric to create a “private” space.

7. Station 6 Ballot Counter Judge Station—‘Ballot box’ (use a cardboard box as a proxy); Instructions for Ballot Counter Judge; Optional: “I Voted” stickers

DURATION 1 class period (about 50-60 minutes).

PROCEDURE

1. Introduction – Today we will learn that voting is as easy as 1-2-3 and you will get a chance to actually experience the voting process. First, we will see what you already know about voting.

2. Hand out “Anticipation and Notes for Voting as Easy as 1-2-3.” Students check agree or disagree by each statement. Tell students to listen carefully during the voting simulation and use the note section to add information about voting. At the end of the simulation we will reexamine each statement. (5 minutes)

3. Introduction – Our simulation today is designed to show you how voting really works so that you will feel comfortable voting in your future. Use Polling Simulation Powerpoint to introduce activity (15 minutes). (Double click on picture below to access the powerpoint.)

a. Imagine our classroom is a precinct voting station and it is election day. Our voting station has workers called election judges. Their job is to help people vote. We will



need seven students to act as election judges. Election judges have instructions on how to do their job in assisting voters.

Hand out Diagram of a Precinct Voting Station. Let’s watch a short video on election judges at a polling place.

Intro Video for Election Judges at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItyzNO1QOQs&index=1&list=PL1Nit9p6RSZh8aHv5D_CW37mCq9Rl3KS6Y

*Assign students to be the 7 different election judges and have them sit in the designated station identified by sign. Each station has general instructions for election judges AND the specific responses they will need to answer class voters coming to their station in order to address their particular situation.

b. We now need voters who enter this precinct voting station on election day. We have 21 voter scenario cards, one per student. A voter card tells you the voter’s name, address, facts about their unique situation, and where to go in the polling place. You will role-play the voter and begin by going to the greeter judge as you enter the polling place. The greeter judge will direct you to the election judge that can help your situation. You ask your question and then follow the steps in voting. Most voters will be doing all of the steps in voting but there are some voters that may not be able to vote.

*Hand out the voter scenario cards to students volunteering to vote. You may not use all 21 situations but it is important to go through the simulation in the numbered order.

c. As a class, we will be listening for facts about voting: voter eligibility, the process of voting and voter rights.

*Direct students to their “Anticipation and Notes for Voting as Easy as 1-2-3” for note-taking during the simulation. If a student is only an observer, they may want to do “exit” interviews of voters to find out what was learned at the polling place.

4. Run the Simulation (15-20 minutes)a. Continue the Voting Simulation Powerpoint and review the slide that diagrams the

precinct voting stations and jobs of each election judge.





b. Then ask the student who has Voter Card #1 – Tessa McGraw to read what it says on the voter card. Use the power point slides to watch the animated Tessa go through all the steps in voting. Now, ask the student roleplaying Tessa to go to each voting station so that Election Judges can do their particular job.

c. Ask class, what voting facts are learned from Tessa’s situation? See scenario key to review answers and how Tessa teaches us about the process of voting because she goes through all the steps.

d. Call on Voter #2 to come up to the greeter station where the greeter judge will direct the voter. Ask remaining students (Voters #3-21) to enter the polling place in the order of their voter card. Teacher acts as Head Judge and directs the flow of voters to their voting stations. Each election judge will be assisting voters with specific questions and also performing their general duties to help voter’s through the process. Whether students actually complete the registration form and sample ballots is to be determined by the teacher. It is fun to have some “I Voted” stickers as voters finish.

e. When voters have returned to their desks or when time is called, teacher begins debrief. Election judges remain in their stations so they can answer debrief questions in their role.

5. Debrief the Simulation with the teacher using the voter scenario answer key. (10 minutes)a. Ask voters and election judges to share their experiences at the precinct voting

station. b. What facts do we learn about voting? Check any notes students took on notetaking

guide.c. Categorize facts under voter eligibility, process of voting, voter rights. d. Summarize what makes voting as easy as 1-2-3.

6. Students go back and complete “Anticipation and Notes for Voting as Easy as 1-2-3.” (to end of class)

OR

Small Group Alternative (45 minutes with debrief)

Divide class into small groups of 4 and ask them think like election judges. Students have Diagram of Precinct Polling Place and small group voting scenarios handout. Students complete the chart using information in election guide (frequently asked questions about voting) at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=1776. Students need to categorize the facts to fit


http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=1776


learning objectives of voter eligibility, process of voting and voter rights. Can debrief the same as simulation.

ASSESSMENT:

Student complete the “Anticipation and Notes for Voting as Easy as 1-2-3.” Voting facts can be used on unit test or essay on what is learned about voter eligibility, voter rights, and the process of voting.



Voter Scenario Cards


4. Dan Cook 11717 42 nd Street

I have just moved to a new home and need to register before I can vote. I have not yet received my updated driver's license. I have brought my new neighbor with me to the polls. Can I vote?

1 Tessa McGraw ______45547 Kestrel Ave

I am are already registered to vote and arrive at the polling place. Can I vote?

2 Rita Almizami 11787 42 nd Street

I want to vote but have not registered for this election. I am directed to go to the registration table. I have been convicted of a felony but have completed probation and parole. Will I be able to register? Can I vote?

3 Alex Fehlen 42302 Kestrel Ave

I go to vote in the morning before work. The line is really long and it is clear I will be late for work. I explain my concern to the Greeter Judge. Will I be able to vote?



5. Ibrahim Barnes 11757 42 nd Street

I have already registered to vote. I have brought in a sample ballot and wonder if I can bring it with me into the voting booth. I ask the ballot judge. Will I be able to bring in the sample ballot?

6. Elly Kosloski ________8608 Girard Ave

I stopped in at this polling place because it is near my work. I ask the Greeter Judge if I can vote here. Can I vote?



7. Jarred Lovejoy ________43141 140 th Ave

I already voted an absentee ballot. But I changed my mind. I go to the Roster Judge and ask if I can vote again. Can I vote?

8. AmmeRae Mazza (with Driver) _______45536 Kestrel Ave

I am unable to leave my car to vote due to illness and extreme cold temperature outside. Am I able to vote?



10. Jemima Johnson __________12485 43 rd St

I forgot to register before election day. I brought my driver's license, but it has my old address. I also brought some current mail from my new address, including a bank statement and a cell phone bill. Can I register?

9. Sydney Engbretson 42903 Kestrel Ave

I am a voter who is visually impaired. I have already registered. I ask the ballot judge if I will be able to vote. How will I vote?

8. Driver with AmmeRae Mazza ___________________

I drove AmmeRae to the polling place. I go to the Greeter Judge and ask if she can vote. I return to the car with 2 election judges that will help AmmeRae vote.



11. Sami Gonzalez (with Campaigner) 42360 Kestrel Ave

I am standing in line waiting to sign the roster. The person behind me tries to persuade me to vote for a particular candidate. What happens next?

13. Josslen Ponder 333 HWY 68 S. Unit 12

I am registering to vote and want to use my cell phone to show a bill. Can I register?

12. Logan Peterson ________8899 33 rd Ave N

I want to vote for one party’s candidate for an office and then want to cross over and vote for a different party’s candidate. I remember I couldn’t cross over in the primary. Can I cross-party vote in the general election? Ask the

14. Deepak Senarighi ________3933 104 th Ave S.

I am wearing a campaign button into the polling place. What happens next?

11. Campaigner Person (w/ Sami Gonzalez) __

Go stand behind Sami Gonzalez in the Roster Judge line. Tap Sami on the shoulder and tell him why he should vote for your favorite candidate. Be persuasive. The Greeter Judge will ask me to stop campaigning at the poll.



17. Ashley Gardner ______42302 Kestrel Ave

I mark the ballot but then roll it up. The ballot counter does not accept the rolled up ballot. I ask the Ballot Counter Judge what to do. Will I be able to vote?

16. Regan Smith __________78993 W Dupont St

I do not have my own residence and often sleep on my friend's couch. I go with my friend to the polling place. My friend is already registered to vote. Can I register and vote?

15. Sarah Reed _3922 104 th Ave S.

I just put my ballot in the ballot counter. I am very excited to put on the ‘I voted’ sticker. I want to use my cell phone camera to show all my friends that I voted. Is this okay?



21. Mikaela Muller 3827 Oak Drive, Apt. 4

I arrive at the polling place close to 8 PM. I stop and talk with neighbors in the parking lot. By the time I get in line, it is 8:03 PM. Can I vote?

20. Ashton Wohlers _____78997 W Dupont St

I went to a party after work and arrive at the polling place clearly intoxicated. Can I vote?

19. Ban Tran _____________15531 43 rd St

I have registered and want to write in the name of my candidate. Can I do this? Ask the Demonstration or Ballot Judge.

18. Drew Odett ___3827 Oak Drive, Apt. 4

I am a student and not yet registered to vote. I am not sure if I can vote here or if I must vote in my home state. Can I vote?


Voter#

NameScenario — Voter Starts at

Greeter Station (1)Answer Outcome Learning Obj

1Tessa

McGraw

You are already registered to vote and arrive at the polling place. You

ask the greeter judge if you can vote.

Registered voters simply need to sign the roster, get their ballot and vote.

Greeter judge directs the voter to Roster Station (2).

Voter visits stations 1, 2, 4,

5, 6 and 7Process

2Rita

Almizami

You want to vote but have not registered for this election. The Greeter Judge directs you to the

registration table. You were convicted of a felony but have completed probation and parole. Ask the

Registration Judge if you will you be able to register and vote.

The Registration Judge informs the voter that people who have committed a

felony can register and vote if they have completed their entire sentence,

including probation and parole. The person can register and vote.


5, 6 and 7Eligibility

3 Alex Fehlen

You go to vote in the morning before work. The line is really long and it is clear you will be late for work. You

explain your concern to the Greeter Judge. Will you be able to vote?

Greeter judge explains to the person that voters are legally entitled to paid

time off in order to vote.


5, 6 and 7Voting Rights

Voter Scenarios Answer Key



Voter#



4 Dan Cook

You have just moved and need to register before you can vote. You

have not yet received your updated driver's license. You have brought

your new neighbor to come with you to the polls. You ask the Registration

Judge if you can vote.

Yes. The Registration Judge explains that a registered voter from your precinct can

go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address. Registration Judge allows voter to

register using his neighbor as a voucher. Voter completes registration application,

voucher completes voucher form.


5, 6 and 7Process

5Ibrahim Barnes

You have already registered to vote. You have brought in a sample ballot and wonder if you can bring it with

you into the voting booth. You ask the Ballot Judge. Will you be able to bring

in the sample ballot?

The Ballot Judge tells the voter that he is allowed to bring a sample ballot with

him. He asks the voter to keep the sample ballot concealed while moving

about the polling place.


5, 6 and 7Voting Rights

6 Elly Kosloski

You stop in at this polling place because it is near your work. You ask the Greeter Judge if you can vote in

this precinct.

The Greeter Judge informs the person that voters can only vote in the polling place that is assigned to them where

they live. The Greeter Judge looks up the voter's address at mnvotes.org and tells

her where she can vote.

Voter visits station 1

Eligibility



Voter#



7Jarred

Lovejoy

You already voted an absentee ballot. You have changed your mind. You go to the Roster Judge and ask if you can

vote again.

The Roster Judges finds the voters name on the roster and sees that it is marked

'AB.' The Roster Judge explains this means that his ballot has already been

counted. Once your absentee ballot has been received and accepted, the voter cannot change their vote. The Roster

Judge tells the voter they cannot change their vote or vote again.

Voter visits stations 1 & 2

Process

8AmmeRae Mazza &

Driver

You are unable to leave your car to vote due to illness and extreme cold temperature outside. You ask your driver to go in the precinct voting station and ask the Greeter Judge

Minnesota offers 'curbside voting.' Voters that cannot enter the polling

place may ask an election judge to bring a ballot to their vehicle. Two election judges bring voting materials to the

voter.

Driver goes inside to asks Greeter Judge

(1) what can be done. Greeter Judge asks 2

election judges to go outside to

person in car with the roster

and voting materials

Voting Rights



Voter#



9Sydney

Engbretson

You are a voter who is visually impaired. You have already

registered. You ask the Ballot Judge if you will be able to vote

independently, without assistance.

The Ballot Judge tells the voter she can use the AutoMARK to vote

independently. The AutoMARK is a ballot marking device that provides privacy and independence to voters who cannot, or choose not, to vote using a pen. It can

display the ballot in large print or with a high-contrast background; it can read

the ballot to the voter through headphones; and it allows the voter to

select candidates through a keypad, touchscreen or sip-and-puff device

Voter visits stations 1, 2, 4,5, AutoMARKstation and 7

Voting Rights

10Jemima Johnson

You forgot to register before election day. You brought your driver's license, but it has your old address. You also

brought some current mail from your new address, including a bank

statement and a cell phone bill. You are at the Registration Table and want to know if you can register with these

items.

Yes. Voters can provide a variety of documents to register on Election Day.

The Registration Judge should reference the Election Day Registration handout,

and then allow the voter to register.


5, 6 and 7Process



Voter#



11

Sami Gonzalez

with Campaigner

You are standing in line waiting tosign the roster. The person behind

you tries to persuade you to vote for a particular candidate. What happens

next?

The Greeter Judge interrupts and reminds the voter there is no

campaigning in the polling place.


5, 6 and 7Process

12Logan

Peterson

You want to vote for one party's candidate for an office and then want to cross over and vote for a different party's candidate. You remember you couldn't do that in the primary. Can you cross-party vote in the general election? Ask the Demonstration or

Ballot Judge.

The Demonstration or Ballot Judge explains that unlike a primary, in the

general he can vote for candidates from different parties if he chooses.


5, 6 and 7Process

13Josslen Ponder

You get to the Registration Table and want to use your cell phone to show a

bill. Can you register?

Yes. Voters may display an approved billon a mobile device or tablet. The

Registration Judge allows the voter to register.


5, 6 and 7

Eligibility/Proce ss

14Deepak

SenarighiYou wear a campaign button into the

polling place. What happens next?Greeter Judge asks the voter to cover it

up or remove it.

Voter visitsstations 1, 2, 4,

5, 6 and 7Process



Voter#



16 Regan Smith

You do not have your own residence, and often sleep on your friend's

couch. You and your friend go to the polling place together. The friend is already registered to vote. Can you

register and vote?

Yes. Voters are not required to have a permanent residence in order to vote. A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign

an oath confirming your address. A registered voter can vouch for up to

eight others. Registration Judge allows voter to register using his neighbor as a voucher. Voter completes registration

application, voucher completes voucher form.



17Ashley

Gardner

You mark the ballot but then roll it up. The ballot counter does not

accept the rolled up ballot. You ask the Ballot Counter Judge what to do.

Will you be able to vote?

Yes. Voters who make a mistake marking their ballot, or tear it, can request a new ballot. The Ballot Judge should give her a new ballot, and places the spoiled ballot

in a specially marked envelope.


5, 6 and 7Process

18 Drew Odett

You are a student and not yetregistered to vote. You are not sure if you can vote here or if you must vote

in your home state. You ask the Registration Judge whether you can

vote here.

As a college student, you can decide whether to vote from your hometown address or your campus address. You

may only vote from one address in each election.





Voter#


Greeter Station (1)A

nswerOutcome Learning Obj

19 Ban Tran

You have registered and want to write in the name of your candidate. Can you do this? Ask the Demonstration

or Ballot Judge.

Yes. In the General Election, voters can write-in the name of any person

they choose.


5, 6 and 7Process

20Ashton

Wohlers

You went to a party after work and arrive at the polling place clearly

intoxicated. Can you vote?

No. Intoxicated persons are not allowed in the polling place. The Greeter or

Head Judge asks you to leave.

Greeter or Head Judge asks voter

to leaveEligibility

21Mikaela Muller

You arrive at the polling place close to 8 PM. You stop and talk with

neighbors in the parking lot. By the time you get in line, it is 8:03 PM. Can

you vote?

No. An election judge stands at the endof the line at 8:00 PM. Anybody not in

line by that point cannot vote. However, as long as you are in line by 8

PM, you are guaranteed the right to vote, regardless of how long the

remaining line is.

Voter cannot vote

Voting Rights



Diagram of Precinct Voting Station

HEAD JUDGE - Assists voters by directing them to the correct station and answers questions from election judges.

Station #1 Greeter – Welcomes and guides voters.

Station #2 Roster Judge – Signs in voters who are already registered.

Station #3 Registration Judge – Conducts Election Day registration for those who need to register.

Station #4 Demonstration Judge – Explains how to mark the ballot and deliver to ballot counter.

Station #5 Ballot Judge — Gives ballots to voters.

Station #5 – Voting Booths – Booths are set up for privacy so voters can mark ballots in secret. – AutoMARK Station – Machine that electronically marks ballots.

Station #6 Ballot Counter Judge – Oversees the ballot box area and gives out ‘I Voted’ stickers.


6

4

Head Judge1 7

3

2

5


Polling Place Signs

GREETER JUDGE



ROSTER JUDGE



REGISTRATION

JUDGE©2014 Learning Law and Democracy Foundation Permission granted for nonprofit educational use


DEMONSTRATION

JUDGE©2014 Learning Law and Democracy Foundation Permission granted for nonprofit educational use


BALLOTJUDGE



BALLOT-COUNTERJUDGE



VOTING BOOTHS



AutoMARKMACHINE



HEADJUDGE



VOTER



Greeter Judge InstructionsAs a Greeter Judge, you will direct the flow of voters and help with other duties as assigned. You observe activity near the entrance of the polling place and ensure that unauthorized individuals are not lingering and that campaigning is not taking place. Duties include the following.

Welcome and guide voters.

Direct voters to either the Roster table (2) or Registration table (3). Adapted from 2014 Election Judge Guide at www.sos.state.mn.us

Special Situations that need your help:

Voter #

Name of Voter Answer to Voter’s Question Tell voter to go:

3 Alex Fehlen Yes. The greeter judge explains he has a right to paid time off from work in order to vote. He stays and votes.

Voter goes to #2 Roster Judge and vote.

6 Elly Kosloski Greeter judge checks to see if her address is in the precinct. It is not. Tell voter to check www.sos.pollfinder or city election office to get correct precinct polling place.

Voter leaves to go to correct voting precinct.

8 Driver for AmmeRae Mazza

Yes, voter can vote from the car. Greeter Judge asks 2 election judges to go outside to person in car with ballot.

Two election judges bring voting materials out to the voter's car, to help her 'curbside' vote.

14 Deepak Senarighi

You notice the campaign button when he arrives and ask him to cover it up or remove it.

Voter goes to #2 Roster Judge and votes.

20 Ashton Wohlers

Greeter (1) or Head Judge asks voter to leave. Intoxicated persons are not allowed in the polling place.

Voter leaves.

21 Mikaela Muller Greeter judge (1) gets up and stands at the end of the line at 8:00 PM. Anybody not in line by that point cannot vote.

Voter leaves.



Roster Judge InstructionsAs Roster Judge, you sign-in voters who are already registered.

Checking in Pre-Registered Voters

1. Ask for name and address.

Do not ask a voter to look at the roster themselves to locate their name.

o If the voter had a name charge or moved to a new address, the voter must re-register at the Registration Table.

o A voter may hand you an ID to assist with locating their name, particularly if the spelling is difficult. This is the voter’s choice and is not required.

2. Check for a roster notation.

o If you see a notation next to their name, follow the specific instructions below.

3. Point to the oath (on roster page or sign) and have them sign next to their name.

o By signing, the voter affirms the oath of eligibility.

4. Give them a voter receipt and direct the voter to the Demonstration/Ballot Judge Table.Adapted from 2014 Election Judge Guide at www.sos.state.mn.us


Voter #


1 Tessa McGraw Ask voter name and address. Point to oath and have them sign next to their name. Give voter receipt.

#4 Demonstration Judge and vote.

7 Jarred Lovejoy Roster judge sees on the roster that the voter has already had their AB (absentee ballot) accepted. The voter cannot vote again, or change his vote.

Voter leaves

11 Sami Gonzalez & Person Campaigning

The greeter judge (1) or roster judge (2) interrupts and reminds the voter there is no campaigning in the polling place.

The person stops talking and leaves. Voter signs roster and votes.



Registration Judge InstructionsAs Registration Judge, you conduct Election Day registration for those who need to register. Approximately 10% to 20% of all Minnesota voters typically register on Election Day.

Voter Eligibility: To register, a person must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day and a resident of Minnesota for 20 days. They must be finished with all parts of any felony sentence. A person can vote while under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked their right to vote. A person cannot vote if a court has ruled that the individual is legally incompetent.

Registration Steps

1. Ask the voter to complete a registration application.

2. Confirm the voter’s proof of residence.Everyone who registers on Election Day must have proof of residence in the precinct.

Voters must show both one photo ID and one document. o The ID must contain the voter’s name and photo, and can be expired.

o The document must have the voter’s name and current address in the precinct, and can be shown electronically or on paper.

3. Complete the election judge’s section on bottom of the voter registration application.

4. Have the voter sign the Election Day Roster.

5. Give a voter receipt and direct them to the Demonstration (4) and Ballot (5) Judges.Adapted from 2014 Election Judge Guide at www.sos.state.mn.us


Voter #


2 Rita Almizami Registration judge asks if voter is off probation. Voter says yes. Voter is able to register.

After registering, continue voting

4 Dan Cook Voter should go to the registration table with his neighbor. Registration judge asks neighbor to vouch for the voter’s address. Able to register.




Voter #


10 Jemima Johnson

Registration judge says voter can register using her old ID plus her current cell phone bill. Able to register.


13 Josslen Ponder Registration judge answers that if the bill on the cell phone is valid, it can be used to register along with a photo id. Voter shows an electronic bill and can register and vote.


16 Regan Smith Voter asks if she can vote at this polling place, but isn't sure because she doesn't have a permanent residence. Yes, she can vote. Her friend vouches for her.


18 Drew Odett Registration judge tells voter he has to decide where he wants to vote. If he decides to vote here, he will need to register.

After registering,continue voting



Demonstration Judge InstructionsAs Demonstration Judge, you instruct voters how to mark the ballot and how to deliver it to the ballot box. In most cases, the Demonstration Judge is also assigned to be the Ballot Judge.

Instructions for VotersProvide these instructions to voters using a sample ballot.

Vote only with the pencil or pen provided; the scanner may not detect marks made with certain pens.

Make your selection by filling in the oval next to the candidate or question on the ballot.

When finished, place your ballot into the secrecy cover.

Insert your ballot into the ballot counter or ask for assistance.

You can ask for a replacement ballot if you make a mistake and need a new one.

USE SAMPLE BALLOT FOR CURRENT ELECTION at www.mnvotes.org

Adapted from 2014 Election Judge Guide at www.sos.state.mn.us


Voter #


4 Logan Peterson Demonstration judge explains that in the general election (unlike a primary) a voter can vote for candidates from different parties if he chooses. Show sample ballot.

Vote

19 Ban Tran Demonstration judge explains that voter can write in a candidate’s name.

Vote



Ballot Judge InstructionsAs Ballot Judge you collect registered voter receipts and issue ballots. Use Sample Ballot for current election.

Issuing Ballots

1. Collect voter receipt and hand out ballot to voter.

2. Offer a secrecy cover if available (may use a file folder).

3. Direct to voting booths or AutoMARK station.

4. Voters can use a reasonable amount of time to vote.

5. A voter may return a spoiled ballot (mistake made in marking) for a new one. Put any spoiled ballots in a file folder. Note: Only an election judge helping a curbside voter can remove an official ballot from the polling place.



Voter #


5 Ibrahim Barnes Voter asks the ballot judge (5) if he can take the sample ballot with him. Yes he can. Give voter ballot.

Voter goes to a voting booth and fills in ballot.

9 Sydney Engbretson

Ballot Judge gives voter a ballot and tells voter that she can vote with the assistance of two election judges or voter can use the autoMARK machine.

Voter fills in ballot in auto-mark machine.

17 Ashley Gardner Ballot counter judge tells voter to bring spoiled ballot over to ballot judge and get a new ballot.Ballot Judge gives her a new ballot, and

Voter votes with new ballot.



places the spoiled ballot in a specially marked envelope.

Ballot Counter Judge InstructionsAs Ballot Counter Judge, you monitor and troubleshoot operation of the ballot counter and distribute ‘I Voted’ stickers.

Guidelines for Conduct

Unless they request help, voters insert their own ballot into the machine. No one, except for a voter casting his/her ballot or an election judge, is allowed within six feet

of the ballot box. It is good practice to put tape on the floor to mark the six-foot boundary. After the voter finishes, offer an ‘I Voted’ sticker. Offer the sticker rather than placing it on the

voter.


Special Situations that need your help:Voter #

Name of Voter

Answer to Voter’s Question Tell voter to go:

15 Sarah Reed

Ballot counter judge (7) raises concerns when voter takes out a camera to take a picture by the ballot counter.

This would be subject to challenge, depending on the local interpretation of current laws. Somebody could file an elections complaint.

17 Ashley Ballot counter judge tells voter to bring spoiled ballot Voter goes to ballot



Gardner to ballot judge and get a new ballot. The ballot judge gives provides a new ballot, and places the spoiled ballot in a specially marked envelope.

judge to get a new ballot and continue voting.



I Voted Sticker Template



Roster of Registered VotersVoter Name and Address Voter Signature District/Precinct ID Number DOB

1. BARNES, IBRAHIM 11757 42ND ST.

001 MINNESOTAVILLE ISD0010 MINNESOTAVILLE TWP

00001238305/24/1983

2. COOK, DAN 11717 42ND ST.


00001234567/21/1990

3. ENGBRETSON, SYDNEY42903 KESTREL AVE.


00001242047/5/1980

4. FEHLEN, ALEX42302 KESTREL AVE.


00001243911/24/1979

5. GARDNER, ASHLEY 42302 KESTREL AVE.


00001245783/15/1983

6. GONZALEZ, SAMI 42360 KESTREL AVE.


000012476510/31/1981

7. LOVEJOY, JARRED43141 140TH AVE. AB 001 MINNESOTAVILLE ISD

0010 MINNESOTAVILLE TWP0000124952

7/1/1986

8. MAZZA, AMMERAE 45536 KESTREL AVE.


00001253265/17/1946

9. MCGRAW, TESSA 45547 KESTREL AVE.


00001255136/19/1988

10. MULLER, MIKAELA 3827 OAK DRIVE, APT. 4


00001257009/14/1979

11. PETERSON, LOGAN 8899 33RD AVE. N.


000012588712/9/1977

12. REED, SARAH 3922 104TH AVE. S.


00001260746/20/1984

13. SENARIGHI, DEEPAK 3933 104TH AVE. S.


00001262616/19/1988

14. TRAN, BAN 15531 43RD ST.


00001264489/21/1952

15. WOHLERS, ASHTON 78997 W. DUPONT ST.


00001266359/23/1991



Voter Oath

I certify that I am at least 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States; that I reside at the address shown and have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding this election; that I am not under guardianship of the person in which the court order revokes my right to vote; have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote, and that I have the right to vote because, if convicted of a felony, my felony sentence has expired (been completed) or I have been discharged from my sentence; and that I am registered and will be voting only in this precinct. I understand that giving false information is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.



Voter Receipts

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt

VoterReceipt



Small Group Voting ScenariosVoter Situation Where

does voter go?

Can voter vote? Explain your answer. Where does voter go next?

Tell the voter fact you learned and match the fact to learning about voter:E = Eligibility, P = Process, R = Rights

1. Tessa McGrawTessa has already registered to vote.

Roster Yes. Voter is pre-registered and is able to vote. She will sign the roster, get ballot and vote in voting booth. She will put her ballot in the ballot counter and get a sticker that says, “I voted.”

Voter follows steps 4-7

Tessa follows the steps in voting at the precinct polling place. (P) Steps tell us about voting process.

2. Rita AlmizamiRita wants to vote, has not registered, was convicted of a felony and finished sentence.3. Alex FehlenAlex stops before work and the line is so long he may be late for work.4. Dan CookDan just moved and needs to register. No updated license but brought neighbor to polls.5. Ibrahim BarnesIbrahim registered and brought a sample ballot with him to look at in the voting booth.



Voter Situation Where does voter go?



6. Elly KosloskiElly stopped in at this polling place because it is closest to her work. It is not where she lives.7. Jarred LovejoyJarred voted absentee. He changed his mind and wants to vote again.8. AmmeRae MazzaAmmaRae is too ill to leave her car. She was driven to the polls.Her driver asks if she can vote.9. Sydney EngbretsonSydnes is visually impaired. She has already registered.

10. Jemima JohnsonJemima forgot to register. She brought her driver’s license with an old address. She also brought current bank statement and cell phone bill.






11. Sami GonzalezSami is standing in line to sign the roster and the person standing behind starts campaigning for someone on the ballot. Is this okay?12. Logan PetersonLogan wonders if he can cross over and vote for a different party’s candidate. He remembers he could not do that in the primary. Can he?13. Josslen PonderJosslyn is registering to vote and want to use her cell phone to show a bill. Can she?14. Deepak SenarighiDeepak is wearing a campaign button into the polling place. Can he?15. Sarah ReedSarah finished voting and wanted to take a cell phone picture to show her friends.






16. Regan SmithRegan is homeless and often sleeps on her friend’s couch. She goes to vote with her friend who is registered.

17. Ashley GardnerAshley rolls up her marked ballot and the ballot counter rejects it.

18. Drew OdettDrew is a college student and has not yet registered. Drew wonders if he has to vote in his home state or if he can vote here.19. Ban TranBan registered and wonders if he can do a write-in for his favorite candidate.20. Ashton WohlersAshton went to a party after work and arrived at the polling place clearly intoxicated.






21. Mikaela MullerMikaela arrives at the polling place close to 8 PM. She stops and talks with neighbors in the parking polt. By the time she gets in line, it is 8:03 PM.



Anticipation & Note GuideDirections: Before the presentation starts, take a few minutes to fill in the Before section of this “Anticipation Guide” simply using an A for agree or a D for disagree. After the presentation you will be asked to reassess your thoughts and discuss your answers with a neighbor. Feel free to take notes to support your assertions in the appropriate column. Post presentation, in a group come to a consensus on 3 most important voting facts to remember & why.

Statement BeforeA or D?

Notes/Evidence AfterA or D?

Step ONE:Voter EligibilityYou can vote at any polling place that is open on election day.A person who has a felony can never vote.A homeless person can use an address of a place where they stay overnight.Step TWO:RegistrationYou must register before election day.A neighbor can vouch for your address.



Statement BeforeA or D?

Notes/Evidence AfterA or D?

You can register with a current bill (and photo id) but not when the bill is on your phone.

Step THREE:Process of VotingYou cannot bring a sample ballot in the voting booth.If you make a mistake on the ballot, you can start over.If you voted absentee, you cannot also vote at the polls.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTSYou have the right to be absent from work in order to vote.You must finish voting by 8:00 pm when the polls close.You may never get help when voting.


Voting Matters to MeLesson Four: Voter Prep 101

Voter Prep 101This lesson teaches students how to prepare for voting. Students investigate the location of their polling place and learn about the different types of elections on the ballot. Students evaluate information about candidates and issues. Grades: 9-12Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies9.1.1.1.1 Demonstrates skills that enable people to monitor and influence state, local and national

affairs.9.1.1.1.2 Demonstrate the skills necessary to participate in the election process including registering

to vote, identifying and evaluating candidates and issues, and casting a ballot.LEARNING OBJECTIVESStudents will be able to

Identify reasons why people don’t vote and explore ways to remove obstacles to voting demonstrate skills of voter preparation in order to identify and evaluate candidates and issues. demonstrate skills that enable people to monitor and influence state, local and national

affairs.

PROCEDURE

1. Intro Activity: Class review on Why Vote? Brainstorm Why not vote? Suggest responses to the “why not’s”

2. Some people don’t vote because they feel they are uninformed or don’t know enough about the candidates or issues. Today let’s see how we can become better informed voters.


Why vote?to make a changeto exercise my rightthe issues affect me personally

Why not?too busyinconvenient polling placeprocess is too difficultdon't know about the candidates and issues

Responses . . . vote absentee or vote early take your time, have someone help yougo to www.mnvotes.org and get informationVoter Prep 101


3. Voter Prep 1011) Where do you vote? - http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ to find your precinct voting

place.

2) What is on your ballot? a. Quick exercise, ask class to raise their hand and vote:

Vote #1 Ice Cream yes _____ no _____

Toxic Waste yes _____ no _____

Now Vote #2 Tax on Ice Cream? yes _____ no _____Clean up toxic waste? yes _____ no _____

Ask the group why their votes changed (because they had more information).

b. Get ready to vote by learning what is on the ballot at – http://myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us/ and find your sample ballot.

c. Learn about the different federal, state, county, city and other local offices as well as judicial elections. The Minnesota Legislative Manual at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=1744 provides descriptions and qualifications for state and federal offices. Go to local county and city websites to learn about local officials.

Note: 2014 has no referendums or proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot.

3) Where do voters get information about voting, candidates and the issues?

a. Who do you vote for? – In deciding who to vote for, one must locate information about the candidates and issues from a variety of sources. Careful consideration must be given to whether the information is partisan or nonpartisan.

Partisan sources are persuasive toward a particular candidate or stance on an issue. The source gives opinions and may try to convince you how to vote.

Nonpartisan sources give factual information, presents multiple perspectives and does not favor a particular candidate or stance on an issue.


http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=1744

http://myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us/

http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/


Note: The way one gets information, like “television” or “the internet,” can be either partisan or nonpartisan depending on the source.

b. Below are 10 sources of information. Identify whether they are Partisan (P) or Nonpartisan (NP). Be prepared to explain your answers.

_____ 1. Sample ballot_____ 2. Family and friends_____ 3. Newspaper editorial or “commentary”_____ 4. Newspaper article_____ 5. Candidate’s voting record at Project Vote Smart at www.vote-smart.org_____ 6. Campaign advertisement on TV, mailed campaign literature or candidate’s

website._____ 7. League of Women Voter’s candidate forums._____ 8. Endorsements from groups you trust_____ 9. Newspaper voter’s guide_____ 10. Televised candidate debates

c. Evaluate websites (see checklist) at http://www.lib.umd.edu/binaries/content/assets/public/usereducation/evaluating-web-sites-checklist-form.pdf

4) Political Parties may help you decide – Political parties support candidates who run on the party’s platforms. When becoming informed you can choose a party that has the same views as you do.Take issues from voting matters to me and find the party planks on those issues. Students would see the 3 major parties in MN and check planks with which they agree.Independence Party, Republican Party, Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party

Do your homework, don’t show up at the polls to google the election as you cast your ballot!


http://www.vote-smart.org/

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