Culture is defined as the symbols, language, beliefs, values, and artifacts that are part of any society. There are two basic components of culture: ideas and symbols, and artifacts. The first type, called nonmaterial culture, includes the values, beliefs, symbols, and language that define a society. The second type, called material culture, includes all the society’s physical objects, such as its tools and technology, clothing, eating utensils, and means of transportation.
Our most important set of symbols is language. As long as we agree how to interpret words, a shared language and thus society are possible. On one hand, differences in languages can make it quite difficult to communicate. On another hand, lack of understanding of definitions and terms could lead one to miss the intended meaning or become disinterested in what is being transmitted. Language is crucial to communication and thus to any society’s culture. It is our capacity for language that makes our complex culture possible and thus one’s ability to effectively function within it.
There is a certain jubilation shared by individuals who come together and execute a plan; who harmoniously unite in faith; who consciously face an obstacle head-on and overcome it and their own fears; that step into the unknown and prevail. Participation in the voting process is no different. Thank you all for being a responsible American citizen. And whether you realize it or not, every time you vote you become more entrenched in this county’s most prominent subculture.
Terms To Note
The following are some terms of that subculture that you may have heard the past three months and some you will certainly hear over the next three months. It is more important now than ever to comprehend the message to come. KARIBU!
Absentee Ballot
A ballot completed and typically mailed in advance of an election by a voter who is unable to be present at the polls.
Ballot Initiative
A proposed law drafted by citizens and placed on the ballot. Citizens will vote to approve or reject it. Ballot initiatives are usually drafted by groups who are passionate about an issue.
Constituency
A body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body.
Constituent
A member of a constituency.
Election Official (Also Poll Worker, Election Clerk, Election Judge)
A person appointed to:
- Monitor the voting process at a polling place
- Make sure voters follow state requirements
- Certify an election was conducted legally
- Give the official vote count
Electioneer
To take part actively and energetically in the activities of an election campaign.
Elector
A member of the Electoral College.
Electoral College
A body of people representing the states, who formally cast votes for the election of the President and Vice President.
Electoral Vote
A vote cast by a member of the Electoral College.
Electorate
All the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election.
General Election
A final election for a political office with a limited list of candidates. The candidates in the general election are the people who won their party's primary election. General elections happen at a local, state, and national level.
Incumbent
The holder of an office or post.
Lame Duck
An official (especially the President) in the final period of office, after the election of a successor.
Platform
A collection of beliefs, legislative goals, morals, and ideals. A political party's platform outlines its principles and plans to govern.
Plurality
The number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other but does not receive an absolute majority.
Polling Place
A building where voting takes place during an election, typically one that normally has another function, such as a school.
Popular Vote
The votes cast during an election for a candidate or about an issue. Whichever candidate or decision about an issue gets the most votes has won the popular vote.
President-Elect
A person who has been elected President but has not yet taken up office.
Psephology
The statistical study of elections and trends in voting.
Sample Ballot
An example of what the official ballot will look like. These can be used to help people make decisions and are often published by newspapers or websites.
Suffrage
The right to vote in political elections.