Getting Ready to Vote in the November 2, 2010 Election

Transcription

1 Getting Ready to Vote in the November 2, 2010 Election 1. Introductions 2. Why vote/why not vote 3. Our hopes for the future and how change happens 4. Video #1: Why Do You Vote? 5. Getting ready to vote 6. What s on the ballot for the November 2, 2010 election 7. Video #2: Are You Ready to Vote? 8. Commitments and feedback Key dates: October 18 = deadline to register October 26 = deadline to apply for vote by mail ballot For more information: Your County Elections Office: 1

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3 Who Represents You? You have representatives in THREE levels of government: national, state and local. Each level of government makes decisions about the issues you care about. When you vote, you choose which candidates best reflect your views. The offices marked in yellow are being voted on in the Nov. 2, 2010 election. Between elections, it is your right to let your elected representatives know how you feel. You can call, write, or them about your concerns. National State LOCAL County Executive U.S. President Barack Obama Vice President Joe Biden California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Legislative U.S. Congress (Works on U.S. laws and budget) U.S. Senate Barbara Boxer Diane Feinstein U.S. House of Representatives (53 total in CA) California Legislature (Works on state laws and budget) State Senate State Assembly (40 total in CA) (80 total in CA) County Board of Supervisors Look it up at Your Town Mayor Look it up at City Council Look it up at 3

4 My Voting Choices This is your menu for the November 2, 2010 election. You do NOT have to vote on everything. You can choose to vote on just a few things or as many as you want. Candidates U.S. Government U.S. Senator House of Representatives State Government Governor Lieutenant Governor Secretary of State Controller Treasurer Attorney General Insurance Commissioner Superintendant of Public Instruction My Choice Judges for California s Supreme Court Tani Cantil-Sakauye Yes No Ming William Chin Yes No Carlos R. Moreno Yes No State Propositions Prop 19 Marijuana Yes No Prop 20 Congressional Redistricting by Commission Yes No Prop 21 State Parks Yes No Prop 22 Transportation and Local Government Funds Yes No Prop 23 Global Warming Law Yes No Prop 24 Business Taxes Yes No Prop 25 State Budget Yes No Prop 26 Taxes and Fees Yes No Prop 27 Redistricting by the Legislature Yes No There will also be local candidates and propositions that you will be asked to vote on. A Sample Ballot is mailed to all registered voters. Or visit and enter your zip code to see everything on your ballot. 4

5 Words to Know Ballot Measures Candidate Campaign Eligible Endorsement General election Legislature Nonpartisan Partisan Political Party Precinct Primary election Register Vote by mail Voter proposed laws the public is asked to vote on; they are also called propositions a person who is trying to get elected the work people do to get someone elected or a ballot measure passed to be allowed to do or get something coming out in favor of a candidate or issue the fall election where anyone can vote for any candidate the part of California s government that makes laws; consists of the State Senate and State Assembly not tied to any political party or point of view has a point of view; may try to convince you how to vote a group that shares the same views about government and works together to win elections a local voting district that has its own polling place; every county has hundreds of precincts the spring election in California on even years that helps parties choose their candidates for the fall general election to sign up; to get on an official list a ballot used for voting by mail instead of at your polling place (sometimes called an absentee ballot ) someone who is at least 18, a U.S. citizen and has registered and decided to vote 5