About This Lesson
The interactive Voter Journey Map tool is particularly relevant to high school students who are preparing to become voters, as well as to teachers and adult students. It provides a fascinating dive into the voting experience and election system. Notably, it does so in a positive and enjoyable way.
The Voter Journey Map tool can be used in multiple ways —as a voter outreach resource, as a way to stimulate relevant discussion around voting, and as an educative tool aligned with College Board and the National Council of the Social Studies standards.
The Voter Journey Map helps users comprehend that their voting path and “how to vote” experience is their own as they navigate eligibility requirements, registration rules, Voter ID laws and methods of participating in elections. The voting process in America can be different based on an individual’s circumstances, the state they live in, and their personal preferences. The tool can be used to breakdown barriers to the ballot box and help all who use it to develop an individual plan to vote.
It is often assumed that people know how to go about voting, where to start and what to do. This is not the case. Voting can be overwhelming, confusing, and full of jargon for many of our citizens, young or old, experienced or new to the process. States can change their rules and methods of voting. How do voters find out what the rules are in their state and confidently proceed down their voting path? Navigating the voting process is not always simple and the helping hand can make all the difference.
To enhance classroom experience and depth of understanding regarding the voting process, it is recommended that the Voter Journey Map Lesson Plan resource be used in conjunction with the Voter Journey Map tool.
The Voter Journey Map is available here.
