MyVote Project
1. During this project, we were asked to answer how our government grows and adapts to a changing society. In order to answer this question, we participated in the MyVote Mock Election where we learned about the importance of informed voting during midterms. In addition, we were asked to create voter material that would appeal to young voters, inform them about a proposition or gubernatorial candidate, and explain why voting is key to change in democracy. To meet the requests of our client Debra Bowen, we decided to create a pamphlet and a social media page that explain Prop 2 and the importance of low socioeconomic voters. Our pamphlet included facts and information on Proposition 2 and explained the importance of young voters in our democracy. Our social media campaign also included information on Prop 2 such as pros and cons, statistics, and graphs.
2. In this project, I learned about the importance of voting during midterms. I learned that presidential elections are not the only voting seasons that impact the people. Midterms are just as important because what is voted on directly impacts our state and its people. It is also a large opportunity for people to get their voice heard. People have a direct impact on whether props or measures pass, as well as who becomes governor. In addition to this, I also learned that the government of California has a degree of direct democracy. I was unaware that citizens can amend the state constitution, create laws that are put on the ballot, and that citizens have a say on whether or not a law is kept or removed. Lastly, I didn’t know that measures were local.
3. During this project, I had trouble understanding the difference between referendums and initiatives. In order to understand the content better a looked for help from Gillespie. I also attended a workshop. In addition to this, I conducted my own research and learned that there are two different types of citizen initiatives, those that amend the constitution and those that create a new law.
4. The learning outcome that I grew most in was collaboration. I was grouped with people who I don’t normally interact with and have not really previously worked with. At first, it was difficult to adapt to a different role in the group, as I usually find myself taking a leadership role. I feel that in the beginning, I struggled to voice my ideas because everyone had their own set of ideas on what should be done. As the project progressed, I learned how to communicate my ideas with the group and how to voice my opinion better. I feel that I am now a little more prepared to work with new people.