What makes voters vote

As of this writing, more than million early votes have been cast by mail or in person — more than two-thirds of the total number of votes cast in So how does voter turnout in the United States compare with turnout in other countries? Political scientists often define turnout as votes cast divided by the number of eligible voters. Comparing U. Political scientists often define turnout as votes cast divided by the estimated number of eligible voters.

But eligible-voter estimates are difficult or impossible to find for many nations. We calculated turnout rates for the most recent national election in each country, except in cases where that election was for a largely ceremonial position or for European Parliament members turnout is often substantially lower in such elections. Census Bureau, the Office of the Clerk of the U. Overall, Just over House of Representatives which include more than , blank, spoiled or otherwise null ballots.

The Vote to elect people who will do something to fix the problems we face. Why Should You Vote? No Voice. There Is Power In Numbers Increasing the number of people that vote in each election means better representation, more funding to our communities, and a better quality of life. Lets Create A Positive Change! Top 10 Reasons to Vote Even if you went to a polling location and only voted for one person, it will be counted.

It's Your Right. Voting Affects Your Job. Vote to Improve Your Child's Education Local and state school board members who you elect will make decisions on policies and budgets that will affect how well prepared your children will be for their future.

Healthcare is Affected by Your Vote. Social Security is Affected by Your Vote Whomever you elect for president and Congress will decide how much payroll tax you pay and what Medicare services you receive and share payment for. Vote to Improve the Safety of Your Neighborhood.

Skip to content. Image Americans Voting Typically in the United States, national elections draw large numbers of voters compared to local elections.

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Related Resources. Voting Process. View Collection. View Article. Susan B. Anthony Illegally Votes. View Historic Article. Cast Your Vote. After you cast your ballot for president, your vote goes to a statewide tally. In 48 states and Washington, D. Maine and Nebraska assign their electors using a proportional system.

A candidate needs the vote of at least electors—more than half of all electors—to win the presidential election. In most cases, a projected winner is announced on election night in November after you vote. But the actual Electoral College vote takes place in mid-December when the electors meet in their states.

See the Electoral College timeline of events for the election. The rare elector who votes for someone else may be fined, disqualified and replaced by a substitute elector, or potentially even prosecuted. It is possible to win the Electoral College but lose the popular vote. This happened in , in , and three times in the s.

If no candidate receives the majority of electoral votes , the vote goes to the House of Representatives. House members choose the new president from among the top three candidates. The Senate elects the vice president from the remaining top two candidates. This has only happened once. The Electoral College process is in the U. It would take a constitutional amendment to change the process. For more information, contact your U.

Lots of people dream of becoming President of the United States. But to officially run for office, a person needs to meet three basic requirements established by the U.

Constitution Article 2, Section 1. People with similar ideas usually belong to the same political party. The two main parties in the U. Many people want to be President. In caucuses, party members meet, discuss, and vote for who they think would be the best party candidate.