As an American citizen it is the right and civic responsibility to vote on election day, and this year being a Presidential election year has gained greater attention than other years. It is important for the individual to express their voice as it can affect public policy on election day and in your local government. Although there is often more attention and engagement during presidential election years, voting on local municipal, county, and state initiatives may frequently have a greater impact on people’s daily lives. In similar fashion, property owners have the ability to appeal to the assessed value of their property.
History Behind Presidential Election
Historically, Election Day is in November on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of the month. In order to fit agricultural timetables, this custom was adopted in the 19th century. The United States held its first federal election between December 15, 1788, and January 10, 1789; however, Election Day as we know it now was not created until much later. The first president that was voted unanimously in the inaugural vote was George Washington. Due to the difficulties in voter mobilization, only around 30% of eligible voters cast ballots in the first election.
In an effort to increase accessibility and security, voting procedures have changed throughout time, moving from paper ballots to electronic voting machines and, in some jurisdictions, to different online voting systems. The processes and customs surrounding Election Day in the country were further cemented in 1792 with the holding of the second federal election.
Since the first presidential election, more and more people practice their civic duty to vote, enabling them to effect change in their government and policies. About 66.8% of eligible voters cast votes in the 2020 presidential election, the greatest turnout in more than a century.
Voters may now cast their votes before Election Day in several states that provide early voting options. Long queues are lessened and voting turnout is increased by this technique. Voters in several states must show identification when they cast their ballots. States may differ greatly in these regulations; some allow a variety of identification, while others have more stringent standards.
Before 1971, when the 26th Amendment was ratified, the voting age in the U.S. was 21. The change reflected a growing belief that if individuals could serve in the military at 18, they should also be able to vote. Thanks to this change, in the U.S., to vote you must be a US citizen and over 18 years of age.
Millennials and Gen Z have significantly influenced voting trends in recent elections, often advocating for issues like climate change and social justice. American citizens have the right and civic duty to vote on election day for the policies they believe will greatly benefit their government, policies, and economy.
How Government Policies Affect American Citizens?
American citizens are greatly impacted by government policy in a number of ways. For instance, government spending, taxes, and regulatory policies that promote economic stability have an impact on wage levels, job creation, and the state of the economy as a whole. For instance, while social programs may provide safety nets for people in need, tax cuts can raise discretionary income. In terms of the structure of healthcare systems, it is determined by government policies, which have an impact on pricing, insurance coverage, and service accessibility for residents. Millions of people now have more access thanks to initiatives like the Affordable Care Act, but other laws may limit it.
Federal and state education policies also have a role in affecting American citizens because they influence curriculum standards, public school financing, and access to higher education. Citizens’ access to education may be impacted by policies such as those governing student loans and early childhood education financing. Policies concerning environmental regulations are also important for the environment. Environmental laws may either encourage sustainability or, on the other hand, permit more industrial pollution. Climate change efforts, land use, and air and water quality may all be impacted by environmental protection policies.
Prioritizing infrastructure development in policy may improve economic growth and community connectedness. Public services, utilities, and transportation are all impacted by government infrastructure spending. In terms of foreign policy, choices on trade agreements, military operations, and international relations may indirectly affect individuals via effects on the economy, national security, and stability of the world economy.
From everyday living circumstances to long-term opportunities and rights, government policies have a significant impact on how Americans live their lives.
Fun Facts about Election Day and Voting Rights
- A historic law known as the Voting Rights Act of 1965 sought to remove obstacles to voting for African Americans, especially those living in the South. In regions where discriminatory practices were used, it established federal control of voter registration and outlawed literacy tests.
- The 19th Amendment was enacted in 1920 to give women in the U.S. the right to vote. For the women’s suffrage campaign, which had been going strong since the middle of the 19th century, this was a major win.
- In the state of New Jersey, where property-owning women were allowed to vote until the legislation changed in 1844, the first women in the United States cast votes in 1838.
O’Connor Fights for Reduced Property Taxes
In addition to voting, property owners have the right to protest the assessed value of their property. Due to the qualifying voting age and other regulations, there are certain restrictions on who may register to vote, but the right to protest is more accessible since any property owner can file an appeal with their county.
O’Connor is dedicated to bringing down property taxes and teaching Texans more effective ways to appeal their taxes. Annual protests are the best way to lower property taxes. It’s easy and risk-free to fight your residential property taxes with O’Connor. Through informal hearings, ARB hearings, binding arbitration, and court appeals, our tax approach seeks to reduce taxes. Until we get a price reduction, O’Connor will never charge property owners a fee. We charge property owners a percentage depending on the decrease in property taxes once we achieve one. We provide a fast and easy online enrollment process that takes three minutes or less.
O’Connor’s clients have already saved over $239 million in 2024 after saving over $215 million in 2023 on property taxes. Our property tax experts file a protest each year to dispute your excessive taxes. O’Connor will keep striving to provide the largest yearly tax savings after enrollment. O’Connor initiates formal arbitration, and court appeals when ARB hearings fail, and we believe a higher decrease is possible.
How Can O’Connor Help You?
Our main goal is to provide property owners with the biggest yearly property tax reduction possible. We hope that this blog series has taught you some interesting facts about presidents who have similar tax-cutting views as O’Connor and the importance of voting on election day. O’Connor offers services for home and commercial assets, as well as business personal property. Our highly qualified staff is made up of seasoned, trustworthy professionals that are committed to our customers and provide excellent work and customer service. O’Connor pays for all legal, appraisal, expert witness, and court fees; we only get paid when your taxes are reduced.
