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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

  • Game

    Cast Your Vote

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

    Mini-lesson: The Incumbent Advantage (HS)

    Learn about the electoral advantage that favors incumbents and the benefits and drawbacks of reelecting members of Congress. Then, put students' news literacy skills to work as they learn what distinguishes an opinion piece, op-ed, or commentary from traditional news.
  • 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.
  • Lesson Plan

    Rank Your Choice (Infographic)

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

    Peaceful Transfer of Power (Infographic)

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

    Students Power Elections

    Students have a lot of power to influence elections! This unique Young Voter Guide created by students for students, gives them them the ideas, knowledge, and skills to get started.
  • Lesson Plan

    Popular v. President

    Can the candidate who wins the majority of the popular votes miss out on being president? They can, and it's happened before.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below! Or use our Google Slide and Pear Deck activities!
  • Lesson Plan

    Campaign Cash (Infographic)

    Every election, candidates spend A LOT of money on their campaign. Do you know where the candidates get that money and what they spend it on?