Welcome
Hello and welcome to our SD Unified for Democracy project. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant, informed, and engaged community through the power of education and dialogue. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we aim to build a nonpartisan foundation of mutual respect and understanding that transcends political divides and builds an informed, engaged, and civil electorate. We are grateful you are joining us on this journey to strengthen our democracy!
Fabiola Bagula, Deputy Superintendent
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Photo By: Bettye Wood (student)
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2024: A Worldwide Election Year
Did you know that 2024 is being called a super election year? It is possibly the biggest election year in history when we consider the number of countries holding national elections this year. An estimated 2 billion voters representing more than 60 countries are expected to head to the polls and cast their vote. What happens this year will have global impact for years to come. Take a look at the map to see where elections are happening around the world!
In what ways are United States election cycles different than other countries?
Length of Election Cycles:
United States: The U.S. election cycle is notably long, particularly for presidential elections, which unofficially start with exploratory committees and primary debates nearly two years before the election day. Campaigning is a prolonged affair with primary elections spread out over several months.
Other Countries: In many other countries, such as the UK or Canada, the election cycle is much shorter. Campaign periods can be as brief as a few weeks to a couple of months once an election is called.
Cost and Scale of Campaigns:
United States: Political campaigns in the U.S. are among the most expensive in the world. The 2020 presidential election cycle, for example, saw billions of dollars spent. Campaign financing is a significant aspect, with private donations and Political Action Committees (PACs) playing major roles.
Other Countries: In contrast, many countries have strict limits on campaign spending. Countries like Japan and Sweden impose limits on both campaign spending and the duration of the campaign to keep elections more equitable and less commercial.
Media and Advertising Strategies:
United States: Political advertising in the U.S. is intense, with heavy reliance on television and, increasingly, digital ads. Super PACs and other groups can spend unlimited amounts on behalf of candidates without direct coordination.
Other Countries: Many countries have regulations that either provide candidates with equal free airtime or restrict paid political advertising altogether, such as in the UK and Brazil. This leads to a focus on debates, interviews, and public service broadcasts.
Regulatory Environment:
United States: The U.S. has complex regulations governing campaign finance, with significant distinctions between coordinated campaign expenditures and independent expenditures. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) oversees these regulations.
Other Countries: Other nations often have more centralized election management bodies that oversee stricter campaign finance laws and more uniform election procedures. Some countries, like France, provide public funding for campaigns and strictly limit additional spending.
Learn More!
Democracy Tracker: This tracker from International IDEA provides monthly information on democracy development across the globe.
How People in 24 Countries Think Democracy Can Improve: This article from the Pew Research Center lists various ways that people across the globe believe that their democracies can improve.
Happening in SD Unified for Democracy
We are so glad you are here!
We are excited and happy to formally launch SD Unified for Democracy: 2024 Election Cycle Project at the end of June! Please explore and continue to come back to see what is new and access resources.
Featured Story
Shortly after I turned 18 my mom came home from work and told me I needed to go to the city "Lion House" building to vote. I grew up in a very small country town and I had never been in the building before. I remember feeling a sense of honor and privilege to be able to cast my vote. From that day forward I have never missed my opportunity to cast my vote for an election. I also made sure I escorted my little brother to the "Lion House" when he turned 18. It's important to participate in our democracy and let your voice be heard. - Mindy, Staff
I was a student at San Jose State and had the opportunity to hear Bill Clinton speak while running for President. My first time voting was for a candidate that won and it made me feel like my voice had been heard and that my vote counted. It empowered me to take life-long pride in my civic duty. While it isn't always the candidate I vote for that wins, it still brings me joy and satisfaction knowing that I participated. - Andrea, Parent
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You can register to vote in California if you are:
a U.S. citizen
a California resident
at least 18 years old on or before the next election
not in state or federal prison for a felony conviction
not declared mentally incompetent by court action
If you have any questions about voting, Rock the Vote can help you find all the information you need to vote. With Rock the Vote, you can register (18 and above), pre-register (if you are 16 or 17), and even check your registration status. See more below!
Voter's Guide: Personalized Ballot and Candidate Information
California Voter Registration Deadlines:
ONLINE or BY MAIL: Monday, October 21, 2024
IN PERSON: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
The next general election is Tuesday, November 5. Are you ready? As the election approaches, prepare yourself by learning what and who is on your ballot, including local and state races and where the candidates stand on the issues that matter to you. Get your Voter's Guide with personalized ballot and candidate information by clicking the link below.
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