fandomhigh | Civics, Friday, November 3, 2017

Class today had the words 'special elections' on the board in case anyone was wondering just what they were learning about this time around.

You know, really killing the mystery and all.

"Welcome back. Today were going to talk about something that you might have seen in the news lately," Tony said. Because he ~~obsessively~~ watched the news from time to time and noticed these things.

"Now all elections are special in the way that they are an essential part of our democratic government that should involve the participation of all citizens who are registered to vote," Steve said, smiling. "But ones specifically referred to as special elections are ones taking place at a different time than normal Election Day--the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November."

Because that was nice and easy to remember, Founders. Thanks for that.

But the founding fathers were infallible!! jk, they were angry white dudes in wigs.

"These happen for a variety of reasons. A position was abruptly vacated due to death or impeachment or someone taking a job within the presidential cabinet," Tony said. "Which makes them important, but also easy to forget about for most voters."

Steve nodded. "In addition, there are also gubernatorial races in a few states--Virginia and New Jersey--because," he frowned. "I don't actually know why they scheduled their regular election in an odd year. Huh."

"Because it's Jersey," Tony muttered under his breath with all the disdain a New Yorker could muster. "In any case, these elections tend to have much lower turn out. Election day is a holiday for some, allowing them to take the time to vote. Special elections don't have that option for most. And simple voter apathy factors in. It's big and exciting when it's the president and pretty boring for the rest."

"Which just such a shame," Steve said earnestly, "because when it comes to things that affect you every day, that's your local races--mayor, school board, governor."

"Remember out talk about gerrymandering? You can prevent that with these smaller elections," Tony added. "Moral of this story is to vote. People fought long and hard for your right to vote."

Dramatic much, guys?