Debate: Should Non-Citizens Be Allowed to Vote in Local Elections?
A city in Maryland is debating whether to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections and cast ballots for mayor and other city officials. This is happening at a time when other places around the country are imposing voter restrictions and a federal commission is focusing on voter fraud. Council Member Christine Nagle sponsored this voting measure to include long-term residents of her community in the decision-making process of town governments. Listen to this story and then debate: Should non-citizens be allowed to vote in local elections?
Read MoreThe Power of the Voting Rights Act
Congress passed the Voting Rights Act in 1965 to protect the right of every citizen to vote. It ensured that unfair tests for voters could be challenged in court and gave the federal government oversight over states with a history of voter suppression. In 2013, however, the Supreme Court decided that a key part of the Voting Rights Act could no longer be enforced. Listen to learn about this change in federal voter protections and why one expert believes it puts the legacy of voting rights activist John Lewis at risk.
Read MoreChanges in Voting Rules Differ Across States
There have been many changes in how people can vote in the U.S., especially since the 2020 presidential election during the COVID-19 pandemic. This audio story discusses those changes, specific voting restrictions, and how the options for when and how people can vote differ across states. Listen to learn more about how the unique circumstances of the 2020 presidential election may impact the 2022 midterm elections and other elections in the future.
Read MoreTeens Share Views in High School Mock Election
Adults aren’t the only ones casting their votes during election season. Students from a high school near Milwaukee participated in a 2022 midterm mock election in their government class. Along with voting, students worked together to create their own political parties with platforms that reflected the issues that were important to the students. Listen to hear 11th graders share what issues matter most to them, and find out how their mock election results compared to the results from the actual midterm election in Milwaukee.
Read MoreCURRENT EVENT | February 20, 2024
Many new citizens feel that voting is an important right, and they look forward to exercising that right for the first time. Becoming a naturalized citizen takes time and effort, so completing the process and registering to vote can be an occasion to celebrate. Listen to hear new citizens share their perspectives on voting and find out why it helps to start voting right away and continue to do so.
Story Length: 3:21
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12/24/2023
https://app.listenwise.com/students/events/2583-new-citizens-value-voting
Classroom Discussion Themes