Reflection on Activities

Was polling an enjoyable thing to do?
Definitely! It was tons of fun to talk to people and get their opinions.

From the polling, did you get any “snapshots” of how people feel about public issues?
Their views really range from “what’s voting?” to super involved.

From your experience at the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners, do you feel confident that elections in the City of St. Louis are honest and well-organized? What made you feel best about elections in St. Louis and what made you feel worse?
I think the fact that there is one democrat and one republican for everything was good that way the votes aren’t sabotaged, and no one can claim the other party only won because they were counting the votes. It keeps things fair and equal even if it demeans the other parties a little bit because they don’t seem as important.

Questions from Election 101 Quiz

Can you think of 3-5 reasons people would want to vote? What about 3-5 reason that people do not vote?

1. They want their voice heard.
2. They feel like it makes the difference.
3. They feel responsible.

1. It is inconvenient.
2. They are busy.
3. They don’t have an opinion.

Campaign spending has gone up quite of bit within the past 10 years. Why do you think that is? Where do you think that money goes?
I think it goes into political ads on the TV and on the internet.

Can you think of 3-5 ways a candidate might try to get people to a.) come out and vote, then b.) vote for him or her over the other candidate(s)?

1. Give speeches about their ideas.
2. Educate people on domestic and international issues (if federal).
3. Tell them how they plan to solve those issues now that they’re all worked up.

General Wrap-Up

What did you know about today’s activity prior to today’s experience?
I know most about the judicial, executive, and legislative branch. I didn’t know much about registering to vote or absentee voting or all that, along with the wards and precincts.

What did you learn today?
I learned in depth about voting offered for the handicapped and those out-of-state. I also got some perspective on how involved the different people of St. Louis are. I learned that Ballpark Village has good food, too.

What was the best part of today?
Polling.

What was the worst part of today?
Walking around so much.