I Will Vote Printable Learning Worksheets and Videos

As times change, so do the methods of building a campaign. You have an obligation to know the facts about candidates before casting your ballot; but, with mudslinging, political missteps and distorted messages, it is easy to get lost. If you read the newspaper, watch TV or get your information online, you have been exposed to strategies that attempt to sway voter opinion.

Your Obligation

The more educated and informed a voter is, the clearer the decision-making process.

Finding unbiased, honest information can be challenging. Fortunately, nonpartisan websites like www.factcheck.org, www.politifact.com and www.opensecrets.org help sort out fact and fiction in political rhetoric.

For an even more in-depth view of candidates’ backgrounds, stances, interest group ratings and finances, look no further than Project Vote Smart (www.votesmart.org). Project Vote Smart is a nonpartisan, non-profit educational resource for voters and is funded by politically independent individuals and foundations.

In addition, a close relative, friend or religious leader who shares your same values can be a reliable source of advice when deciding which candidate is worth your vote.

Anyone can learn to Vote from these printable learning worksheets and videos.

iCivics | Free Lesson Plans and Games for Learning Civics

Play iCivics Games

iCivics, Inc. is a 501c non-profit organization in the United States that provides educational online games and lesson plans to promote civics education and encourage students to become active citizens. iCivics was founded in 2008 by retired Supreme Court of the United States Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. iCivics’s stated mission is to “ensure every student receives a high-quality civic education,and becomes engaged in – and beyond – the classroom.”

Your Obligation

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Activate

Activate
Play Time: 30+ mins
Pick an issue, lead a campaign, grow a movement, and make a difference.

Activate

Argument Wars
Play Time: 0-15 mins
Argue real Supreme Court cases, and put your lawyering skills to the test.

Activate

Branches of Power
Play Time: 30+ mins
See the bigger picture and control all three branches of government!

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Cast Your Vote
Play Time: 0-15 mins
Run a political debate by choosing the questions and rating candidate responses.

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Counties Work
Play Time: 15-30 mins
Running a county is a lot of work! Manage things well, and try to get re-elected.

Activate

Court Quest
Play Time: 15-30 mins
Navigate our court system and guide citizens to the right place.

Activate

Crisis of Nations
Play Time: 30+ mins
Team up with other nations to solve international crises.

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Do I Have a Right?
Play Time: 30+ mins
Run a law firm and show off your knowledge of constitutional rights.

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Executive Command
Play Time: 30+ mins
Being the president is no easy task. Are you up to the challenge?

Activate

Immigration Nation
Play Time: 15-30 mins
Guide newcomers through the path to citizenship.

Activate

LawCraft
Play Time: 15-30 mins
Choose a state to represent and jump into the law making process of Congress.

Activate

NewsFeed Defenders
Play Time: 30+ mins
Fight hidden ads, viral deception, and false reporting as a NewsFeed Defender!

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People's Pie
Play Time: 15-30 mins
Call the shots with the federal budget when you play People's Pie.

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Power Play
Play Time: 15-30 mins
Coach a team vying for the balance of governmental powers.

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Race to Ratify
Play Time: 30+ mins
Make your own history! Are you team #Federalist or #AntiFederalist?

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Represent Me!
Play Time: 0-15 mins
Balance the diverse needs of your constituents as you plan bills to sponsor in Congress.

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Responsibility Launcher
Play Time: 0-15 mins
Help citizens discover their civic duties and responsibilities.

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Sortify: U.S. Citizenship
Play Time: 0-15 mins
Test your knowledge of U.S. citizenship without getting out of sorts!

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Supreme Decision
Play Time: 15-30 mins
Assist a Supreme Court Justice as she makes the deciding vote in an important case.

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We The Jury
Play Time: 15-30 mins
Use evidence, testimony, and quick thinking to decide challenging court cases.

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Win the White House
Play Time: 30+ mins
Run your own presidential campaign- from the debates to the ads to the fundraising!

First Time Voter

Video: Get Ready to Vote

Lesson Plans and Activities

About USA Voter Information and Resources

U.S. citizen

Are you ready to vote for the first time? If you are a U.S. citizen, meet your state’s requirements, and will be 18 by Election Day, you can vote.

But first, you need to register before your state’s deadline. Check with your local election office. You can register there, or you may be able to register online, at the Department of Motor Vehicles, or using the National Mail Voter Registration Form.

Your election office may send you a voter registration card listing your polling place. On Election Day, that is where you will go. When you get there, you may need to show an ID to vote. Then, fill out your ballot. If you do not know how, ask a poll worker. If you know you will not be able to get there on Election Day, you may qualify to vote by mail. Remember, voting rules are different in every state.

Common Voting and Election Terms
This is a glossary with definitions of common voting and elections terms.
Find My State or Local Election Office Website
Visit your state’s election office website for state-wide voting guidance.
How to Vote or Register to Vote
Find information on registering to vote, confirming or updating your registration information, absentee and early voting, and voting on Election Day.
Midterm Congressional, State, and Local Elections
Congressional midterm elections take place between Presidential elections. State and local races happen every year. Learn about upcoming elections near you.
Voting and Election Laws and History
Know the laws that protect your right to vote and govern the elections process. Find results of past federal elections. Learn how voting methods and habits have evolved.

Can You Pass American Civics 101?

A lot of people find the American government structure confusing and overly complicated.

Civics 101: A Podcast by NPR at www.civics101podcast.org

https://www.civics101podcast.org/

http://feeds.megaphone.fm/PPY1168790592

Can you answer 12 basic questions about the American government?

http://quizpug.com/can-you-pass-american-civics-101/

Lesson Plans and Activities

USCIS offers lesson plans with instructions and teaching strategies for novice and seasoned ESL instructors preparing students for U.S. citizenship.

https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/educators/lesson-plans-and-activities

The Cat in the Hat is running for President as the kids’ candidate, and he wants you to help choose his first order of business when he gets into office! Have fun and learn more about The Cat's five partner organizations with the activities!

Public Downloads

All items are free to view, share, and download.

Public Downloads - Español (Spanish)

When available, we provide all our content with a Spanish version in our public download section. You can find additional material from sources listed in all our articles.

Download Voting Activities

About Winning the Vote Smithsonian Institution Activity Book

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