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2024 Voter Toolkit 002: I’m Freaking Out… How Do I Start?

Hello MVP Community! 


With the primaries complete, it’s time to start thinking about how to approach this upcoming election. Easier said than done. It can be daunting to stay informed and engaged within such a complex political landscape. You might feel like the stakes are too high and there are too many issues to tackle. That’s where we step in. 


First step: Take a deep breath. 


It’s important to remember that your voice and your actions matter. It might feel overwhelming making such a big decision, but MVP is here to lead you through this election season and send you off ready to confidently head to the polls!


Throughout the next couple months, we will be providing you with a step by step guide to help you make an informed decision in November. To get started, let’s start thinking about what this 2024 election means, which roles are on the ballot, what those roles entail, and a few overarching questions we can be asking ourselves right now. 



✅ What Does This Election Mean? 


The general election helps us vote crucial roles into office. The outcome will determine which party or coalition controls the government, influencing policy decisions on critical issues such as the economy, healthcare, education, climate change, and foreign relations. 


The contention in this presidential race alone is a moment in history that every eligible voter has an opportunity to be a part of. The party candidate changing from President Biden to Vice President Harris this late in the game will greatly impact the election. 


It’s also a chance for citizens to exercise their democratic rights, ensuring that the government remains accountable and representative of the people's will. Voter turnout and engagement are so important in preserving the integrity of the democratic process. 


✅ Which Roles Are on the Ballot? 


  • President and Vice President

  • U.S. Senate Connecticut

  • U.S. House Connecticut District 4

  • Connecticut State Senate

  • Connecticut House of Representatives 

  • Local Positions


✅ Do I Understand The Day To Day Responsibilities of Elected Officials? 


The President’s key responsibilities:

  1. Enforce Laws: Makes sure federal laws are carried out and can issue executive orders.

  2. Commander-in-Chief: Leads the military and makes decisions on national defense.

  3. Foreign Policy: Directs U.S. relations with other countries, negotiates treaties, and appoints ambassadors.

  4. Legislative Role: Can propose laws, veto bills, and deliver the State of the Union address.

  5. Economic Leader: Prepares the federal budget and influences economic policies.

  6. Head of State: Performs ceremonial duties and represents the nation.

  7. Party Leader: Guides their political party and supports party candidates.

  8. Judicial Appointments: Nominates federal judges and can grant pardons.


The Vice President’s key responsibilities:

  1. Support the President: Assists the President and steps in if the President is unable to serve.

  2. Preside Over the Senate: Leads the Senate and casts a tie-breaking vote when needed.

  3. Ceremonial Duties: Represents the U.S. at official events and ceremonies.

  4. Adviser: Provides counsel to the President and may take on special projects or roles.


A U.S. Senator’s key responsibilities:

  1. Make Laws: Proposes, debates, and votes on new laws.

  2. Represent State: Represents the interests of their state in the federal government.

  3. Approve Appointments: Confirms presidential appointments, like judges and Cabinet members.

  4. Ratify Treaties: Votes on international treaties negotiated by the President.

  5. Oversight: Monitors and investigates the actions of the executive branch.


A U.S. House Representative’s key responsibilities:

  1. Make Laws: Proposes, debates, and votes on new laws.

  2. Represent District: Represents the interests of their district within their state.

  3. Approve Budget: Helps decide on federal spending and taxes.

  4. Oversight: Monitors the executive branch and investigates government actions.

  5. Impeachment: Can initiate impeachment proceedings against federal officials.


A state senator's key responsibilities:

  1. Make State Laws: Proposes, debates, and votes on laws for the state.

  2. Represent District: Represents the interests of their district in the state government.

  3. Approve State Budget: Helps create and approve the state’s budget.

  4. Oversight: Monitors and reviews the actions of the state executive branch.

  5. Constituent Services: Assists residents in their district with state-related issues.


A state House Representative’s key responsibilities:

  1. Make State Laws: Proposes, debates, and votes on laws for the state.

  2. Represent District: Represents the interests of their local district in the state government.

  3. Approve State Budget: Helps create and pass the state’s budget.

  4. Oversight: Monitors state government actions and ensures accountability.

  5. Constituent Services: Assists people in their district with state-related concerns.




✅ What Should I Be Thinking About Before Starting My Research? 


Why do I want to vote? 


Why do I think voting is important? 


Does voting stress me out? Why? 


What values are important to me? 


What changes do I want to see in local or national politics?


What kind of people do I want to see in leadership? 



It may seem daunting but we have 70+ days to work out the positions, the candidates, and the issues. With MVP’s 2024 Voter Toolkit, we can walk into the polls confidently! Make your voice heard! 


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