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iCivics Curriculum Unit

Elections and Voting

This unit is designed to provide students with an introduction to the electoral processes of the American political system. Students will develop a strong foundation that will inform them of their choices and encourage civic involvement. The Elections and Voting unit guides students to a deep understanding of concepts and processes across the political spectrum through simulations, presentations, vocabulary-building activities, and a mock election.

Topics at a Glance: state voting laws | youth voting guide | running for president | political parties | political spectrum | political candidates | voting rights | voting history | electoral process | campaigning | political campaigns | incumbency | primaries | caucuses | conventions | public opinion polling | apportionment | ranked-choice voting | mail-in voting | peaceful transfer of power

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  • Game

    Cast Your Vote

    Election Day is coming, are you prepared to vote?
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  • Lesson Plan

    Voting Rights

    Explore the history of voting rights in the United States through an interactive PowerPoint presentation highlighting landmark changes. Following the presentation and class discussion, students apply the new knowledge of how voting legislation evolved to individual scenarios through a class activity. Get more great material on Voting Rights in our Google Slide DeckLove this lesson? Explore all of our free election curriculum and teaching resources at our Election Headquarters. iCivics en español! Student and class materials for this lesson are available in Spanish.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Midterm Math (Infographic)

    How many reasons are there to care about the midterms? Thousands! Use this printable infographic to show your students the impact that the 2022 midterm elections have on the legislative and executive branches.iCivics en español! A version of this infographic is available in Spanish along with a Spanish Teacher’s Guide.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Rank Your Choice (Infographic)

    What is ranked-choice voting? How does it work? This infographic will walk you through the process!
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  • Lesson Plan

    The Spectrum of State Election Laws (Infographic)

    Voting laws vary by state. Where do your state's laws fit on the wide spectrum of election laws across the country?
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  • Lesson Plan

    The Poll Picture (Infographic)

    Public opinion polls can give insight into people's priorities and opinions, and give candidates and the media a sense of the whole picture.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Peaceful Transfer of Power (Infographic)

    For over two centuries, American political offices have peacefully transferred power after every election.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Running for President (Infographic)

    Lace up your shoes and learn how candidates run the race to become President of the United States!
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  • WebQuest

    Reapportionment & Redistricting

    Do you know how many representatives your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives? Do you know how that number is determined or if it's ever changed? Don't worry, you're about to find out!
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  • Lesson Plan

    Party Systems

    Does every country have Republicans and Democrats? (Spoiler alert: No.) Use this mini-lesson to show your students that there are lots of different political party systems around the world.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDFs of this lesson's materials below!Love this lesson? Explore all of our free election curriculum and teaching resources at our Election Headquarters. 
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See how it all fits together!

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