The document provides information about voting and elections for grades K-5. It defines key terms, describes political parties and offices being voted on, and gives overviews of candidates for US Senate and Mecklenburg County Sheriff. It encourages students to learn about candidates, think critically about their positions, choose a candidate, vote, and follow up after the election. The goal is to educate youth on the US democratic process.

1. Election 2010
Grades K-5
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2. Election vocabulary
Election
– a vote to decide who will be in political office
Vote
– making a decision
Candidate
– a person running for office
Office
– an elected job in local, state or national government
Ballot
– where candidates are listed and votes are made
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3. Political parties
Groups of people who have similar ideas
Major US political parties
– Democrats
– Republicans
– Libertarians
Voting tip:
– Focus more on the individual candidates, their
ideas and solutions than the parties
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4. On the ballot
Grades K-5
– United States Senate
– Mecklenburg County Sheriff
Grades 3-5
– Mecklenburg County Commission
Grades 6-12
– Vote on additional races
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5. United States Senate
The Senator:
– Represents NC in the United States Senate
– Makes decisions
– Works with others…
• …to make national laws and policies on topics
such as education, the environment, highways,
taxes and global issues
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6. United States Senate
Vote for 1 candidate
Elaine Marshall Richard Burr Michael Beitler
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7. Sheriff
The Sheriff oversees:
– The operation of jails
– Delivery of legal papers (lawsuits)
– Courthouse security
– The Sheriff's Department, the county's law
enforcement agency
The Sheriff’s Office and the Police
Department serve different functions
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8. Sheriff
Vote for 1 candidate
Chipp Bailey Christopher Hailey
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9. County Commission
The County Commission:
– Adopts the annual county budget
– Sets the property tax rate
– Defines county priorities and policies
• on services such as parks, libraries, schools, health
– Hires the county manager
• a professional who manages the daily operations of
the county
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10. County Commission
Vote for 1-3 candidates
Harold Dan Jennifer Jim Dan Corey Jack
Cogdell Murrey Roberts Pendergraph Ramirez Thompson Stratton
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11. Read, think, decide
1. Learn about the candidates
2. Think about the information
3. Choose a candidate
4. Vote
5. After the election, keep track of the
candidates, their promises and actions
www.kidsvoting.org | facebook.com/kidsvotingcharlotte | twitter.com/kidsvotingclt

12. Read and learn
A helpful place to start: pick an issue you care about
– Education, environment, health, neighborhoods, safety, children
Find information about the candidates
– www.kidsvoting.org
– www.charmeckvotes.org
– www.charlotteobserver.com
– Candidate websites
– Videos of debates and interviews
– Other sources?
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13. Think
Does this information help me?
Is it from a good, truthful source?
Does it fit other facts I know?
How does it make me feel?
Do I know enough to make a decision?
– If not, learn and read more
www.kidsvoting.org | facebook.com/kidsvotingcharlotte | twitter.com/kidsvotingclt

14. Choose a candidate
What does each candidate say?
– Ideas?
– Solutions?
– Complaints?
– Questions?
Which one do you agree with the most?
Will the candidate will do a good job?
www.kidsvoting.org | facebook.com/kidsvotingcharlotte | twitter.com/kidsvotingclt

15. Vote
At school
Online
At voting sites
– Early Voting
– Election Day
Ask your teacher or parents how you can
vote in Election 2010
Visit www.kidsvoting.org to learn more
www.kidsvoting.org | facebook.com/kidsvotingcharlotte | twitter.com/kidsvotingclt

16. After the election
Look for election results
– Compare the results of the official election
with the student vote
Keep track of the winning candidates
– Do they keep their campaign promises?
– Do they make good decisions?
Stay involved
– Watch or attend government meetings, write
letters or email officials
www.kidsvoting.org | facebook.com/kidsvotingcharlotte | twitter.com/kidsvotingclt