Legitimacy Ya Later!
What % of voters say it is very important for the losing presidential candidate to publicly acknowledge the winner as the legitimate president of the country?
How accurate was your prediction?
How surprising is this information?
Only a little more than half of all Americans say it is very important for the losing presidential candidate to publicly acknowledge the winner as the legitimate president of the country. Why do you think that is?
What is one consequence of this data?
Explain whether you think it is very important for the losing presidential candidate to publicly acknowledge the winner as the legitimate president of the country?
Is this good news?
Do you think the losing presidential candidate will acknowledge the winner as the legitimate president of the country?
What is the difference between Trump and Clinton voters on this subject?
No matter who wins the election, describe the level of legitimacy the next president will have:
When Kennedy beat Nixon in 1960, despite evidence of some voter irregularities, Nixon conceded the election. When Bush defeated Gore in 2000, despite evidence of voting irregularities, Gore conceded the election. And people of both parties generally supported the winning candidate. Why do you think the legitimacy of our system has drifted so far from those days?
What do you think will happen in the 2016 presidential election?
If the 2016 presidential election were an animal, what animal would it be?
Do you think it is wise of Donald Trump to claim that the election is rigged like he did in this Tweet yesterday*?
Why do you think he says this?
Learning Extension
Check out the Pew Research on voters views on our disputed election
Action Extension
Become an Election Worker!
Election workers are essential to ensuring that elections are a success.
With each election, millions of Americans dedicate themselves to sustaining the backbone of democracy - our election process. EAC encourages those interested in becoming election workers at the polls on election day to learn more about what is required and how to sign up to work with your local election official.
Get started and find out if you are eligible. Go to the State Compendium of Election Worker Laws and Statutes.
1. Find out if you must be a registered voter in the state.
2. Find out if there is an age requirement.
3. Find out if there is a residency requirement.
4. Find out if a political party affiliation is required.
Then contact your local election office and sign up to be an Election Worker. They'd be happy to add you to the Election Day Team!
