What happens to your ballot after you've voted?
When we talk about elections, we tend to focus more on how votes are cast instead of how they are compiled and counted. I want to focus attention on that. The best way to understand the process is to look at what is outlined in official websites. Here are two. One is on the national level, the other is on the state level.
- The United States Election Assistance Commission: Election Results, Canvass, and Certification.
- The Texas Secretary of State: Canvassing and Post-Election Procedures.
Read through them and outline the process as clearly and thoroughly as you can.
All rules apply
- Submit your answer through Blackboard.
- It is due for full credit on midnight the on the assigned date.
- It will be subject to a penalty if turned in late.
- Is can be turned in for partial credit until the end of the semester.
- The grade is commensurate to the quality of the work.
- There is a 150 word minimum requirement.
- You may write as much as you wish.
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Spring 2024
What, exactly, is going on in the United States House of Representatives?
They don't seem to be able to select a speaker - which is the only specific position mentioned in the U.S. Constitution for that chamber. I simply want you to explain to me the hang-up. Also tell me how you think this might be resolved.
You might even explore the possibility that it may not be resolved. That takes us down a different road. How might the House of Representatives function without a speaker? What does a speaker actually do?
For your reading pleasure:
- Wikipedia: Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
- The New Republic: The Republican House Speaker Doom Loop.
- NYT: Republicans Tap Jordan for Speaker, but Delay Vote as Holdouts Balk.
- Politico: House Dem leader: ‘Informal’ discussions underway on speakership mess.
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For 2306 students:
What is an educational savings account?
Part of the fuss over school vouchers involves somethings called an educational savings account. I'm not completely sure what this is, but it seems to be a financial device that allows for funds to be pulled from Texas' general revenue fund and made available to private schools. The precise design of it can change. Other states have approached this in different ways. Describe how these programs can work.
- ALEC: The Education Savings Account Act.
- EdWeek: Education Savings Accounts, Explained.
- Texas Tribune: What you need to know about education savings accounts.
- Coalition for Public Schools: Education Savings Accounts.
- The Policy Circle: Education Savings Accounts.
Please:
- Submit your answer through Blackboard.
- It is due for full credit on midnight the on the assigned date.
- It will be subject to a penalty if turned in late.
- Is can be turned in for partial credit until the end of the semester.
- The grade is commensurate to the quality of the work.
- There is a 150 word minimum requirement.
- You may write as much as you wish.
