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Definition: Help America Vote Act (HAVA)

CitizenSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:30:32 -0800

The Help America Vote Act, HAVA, signed into law in 2002, says that each state has to report to the Election Assistance Commission, in order to receive federal funding for elections. States have to meet minimum requirements in terms of polling place and voting machine accessibility, computerized voter registration (including removing those deceased or ineligible from voting rolls) voter identification requirements, and the ability for voters who believe themselves to be registered to cast a provisional ballot, ensuring their vote will be counted if it's later proven they were eligible to vote.

If you have any questions about your rights as a voter today, here's a list of links to each state's Secretary of State website.

Definition: No Child Left Behind

CitizenSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:04:00 -0800

On Meet the Press yesterday, Tim Russert and Co. showed a clip of Bill Clinton campaigning, saying that No Child Left Behind was a bad idea because not enough teachers were consulted. Bill said it was supported by George W. Bush and Ted Kennedy "and everyone in between." Which included Hillary. Russert then pulled out a 2001 memo in which Hillary supported the act. Here are the details of the legislation so that you can decide for yourself.

Signed into law in 2002, this act aims to increase performance in secondary and primary schools by placing greater emphasis on a state's and school's accountability toward helping students reach defined educational benchmarks.

Based on the idea that setting firm and high goals will positively impact learning and performance, the act requires that all students be tested annually in math and reading from grades 3-8, and at least once in high school to determine whether schools are meeting goals.

No Child Left Behind is definitely controversial. Those in favor of the act point to improved test scores, increased accountability for teachers and school administrators, and more attention to minority populations, helping them meet educational goals along with their peers. The act provides more funding, more local control for schools, and increased choice and flexibility for students and parents, allowing students the choice to leave under-performing schools in favor of a higher quality education elsewhere. If you think you disagree with this,

Definition: Delegate

CitizenSugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:02:46 -0800

My mom's biggest goal in life is to serve as a delegate at the Republican National Convention. What does that mean exactly? A delegate is selected by the party to serve as the voters' representative, bringing the results of each state's primary balloting to the convention floor.

How many delegate votes does a candidate receive from the primary balloting? It depends on the party. The Democrats award a proportional amount — the percentage of votes a candidate receives in the state primary, they'll receive that ratio of delegate votes at the convention. The Republicans let each state decide whether to award a proportion of votes or let the winner of the primary election "take all." The first candidate to win a majority of the delegate votes secures the party's nomination. It gets better — please