The Comics of Fair Election Politics

This is great if you’re artsy or can draw really good stick-figures! This activity will blend creativity with understanding the process of clean elections. A good sense of humor is strongly suggested.

Goal:

Members understand the process of becoming a clean candidate and running a clean campaign.

Objective:

1) Familiarize members with the fair elections process

2) Discuss how the process of being a clean candidate benefits the candidate and the constituents

Materials:

Pens

Scissors

Paper

Comic template

Process

Before the meeting

1) Create a comic strip following the process of fair elections. You can make the process as detailed as you want. For example, maybe your first frame is a “comic character” deciding to use the public financing (fair election) option. Then, you see your character gathering signatures and $5 donations…finally, the candidate is elected. Or, to go even further, you can have a frame where “good and just” policy is being passed. Leave the “dialogue” blank. Be as creative as you want. Talk with your Staff Link if you are unsure of any part of the fair elections process.

2) Photocopy your comic template and bring copies to your meeting.

At the meeting

1) Hand out the comic template.

2) Ask members to work in pairs or in threes

3) Ask members to “fill in the blanks” (the dialogue)

4) Have members share their comics

5) Lead a discussion of how the process of fair elections is beneficial to candidates and constituents

The (as we say up in New England) “Wicked Smart” Version:

If your members are pretty savy, give them an extra challenge. Cut each comic frame out and give them to your members. Ask members to not only fill in the dialogue, but also put the frames in the right order. Then do steps 4 & 5 from above.

Most importantly, have fun!