Bennington County Indivisible
Trivia Pursuit
THE NOT SO TRIVIAL GAME OF
U.S. ELECTION EDITION
Question:
What percent of votes in the U.S. generate a paper ballot that is verified by the voter to be correct? A) 25% B) 50% C) 75% D) Close to 100% D More than 95% of votes in the U.S. Federal elections are backed up by a voter-verified paper ballot. Voting machine results can then be verified by reviewing a sample of paper ballots for accuracy. When necessary an entire hand count of the paper ballots can be done. This is why it is so important that paper ballots be held securely. (1)
Question:
Which of the following roles does the Federal government serve in Federal elections? Select all that are TRUE. A) The Federal Election Commission B) The Electoral College C) None, the states completely control elections D) Specific powers that are granted exclusively to the President A and B Federal involvement is largely limited to the Federal Election Commission which enforces campaign finance law, and the Electoral College which certifies the presidential election. This is why laws vary from state to state and the President has no authority to regulate elections. (3)
Question:
How often does mail-in voting fraud happen? A) 5 times in a 100 votes B) 5 times in 1000 votes C) 5 times in a million votes D) 5 times in 10 million votes D For an analysis of the impact of mail-in voting see the Brooking Institute’s report: Mail voting in the U.S.: Data points to very low fraud and significant benefits to voters. (2)
Question:
What form of ID do you need to vote? A) None B) A photo ID C) A birth certificate D) It depends on your state’s laws D States set the rules for elections including voter IDs. What you need depends on which state you live in. You can go to 866OurVote.org or eac.gov to find out what your state requires. Voter ID requirements need to strike a balance between security and accessibility. Because voter fraud is so incredibly rare, strict ID requirements can unnecessarily limit citizens access to voting. (4)
Question:
True or False: The federal elections can be canceled. False U.S. elections cannot be canceled without significant legal and constitutional changes. They are mandated by law to occur on specific dates. Extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters or national emergencies, could potentially lead to delays but it has never happened, not even during the Civil War. (5)
Question:
True or false: The constitution grants the executive branch authority over elections. False The executive branch, including the President, is given no direct power to regulate federal elections. (7)
Question:
True or False: You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to vote. False In order to vote a person must: • be a citizen of the U.S. • meet local residency requirements, • be 18 or older. (6)
Question:
True or False: Within the Federal government, there is a National Election police force. False States conduct election oversight through state election boards, secretaries of state, local election administrators, courts, and legislative oversight committees. Federal agencies intervene in limited areas such as civil rights enforcement and campaign finance. (8)
Question:
What are advantages of early voting? Which of the following is FALSE? A) It’s convenient and quicker B) Last minute problems don’t get in the way C) Voters can take time to think about their vote D) It gives a voter time to correct any errors or voting system glitches E) Mail-in voter fraud is extremely rare F) It avoids any voting sabotage that might happen at the polls G) It improves voter turn-out H) None of the above H Voting early has a lot of advantages. If you want to vote early it is important to know your state’s deadlines. If you can, return your ballot in person to typically your town or county clerk or your local ballot box, depending on your state. If mailing your ballot, send it 7-10 days before the deadline. See Find your state’s rules here: 866OurVote.org or EAC.gov . Having troubles voting? Go to 866ourvote.org or call 866-OUR-VOTE (9)
Question:
What steps can any citizen take to safeguard their right to vote? A) Verify your registration early (and often.) B) Understand local deadlines, ID requirements and other voting policies in your state. C) Plan when, where, and how you will vote. D) Use official information sources such as county clerks and state election websites. E) Utilize voting rights support through your local poll workers, and through national legal hotlines like 866-OUR-VOTE D) It doesn’t matter. Voting doesn’t change anything A through E Voting rules are changing rapidly in the lead-up to the 2026 elections. Voters will need to keep themselves informed. 866OurVote and Vote411 and The US EAC are great places to start. Be prepared to report violations of election rules. 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687- 8683) is a good option – put it in your contacts so you can find it easily. Many Federal elections have been won by less than 0.1% of the vote. Your vote matters! Your vote is your power. Know how to use it! (11)
Question:
Which of these people can’t vote in all 50 states? A) Student away from home B) People without a permanent address C) People who just moved D) People who have just changed their name E) Convicted felons F) People who can not read E In some states, some felons lose their voting rights. Sometimes those rights are restored on completion of their sentence. Students living away from home can register and vote either at their home address or their school address. If you are without a permanent address you can use a shelter address, a description of where you live, or even a public place where you spend a lot of time. If you have moved, you must meet your new state’s residency requirements. If you don’t, you can vote at your former address. If you have changed your name, update your voter registration asap and check your state's voter ID laws. All states have a system to accommodate people with “Printed Material Disabilities.” (10)
Question:
The U.S. Federal election process is intentionally decentralized. Which of the following is FALSE: A) States set election laws that dictate how elections are run B) Local officials administer elections C) Federal law sets guardrails D) Courts resolve disputes E) Congress certifies presidential results F) The President overrides state law when he sees that it gives unfair partisan advantages F Federal law and the U.S. Constitution give the President no direct role in Federal elections. (12)
Question:
What are some ways a person may be able to vote early? Select all that are TRUE: A) Vote by mail B) Absentee voting C) It depends on your state election laws D) All U.S. citizens have the same early voting options A, B and C Each state has its own laws. Early voting options depend on the state you live in. Some states mail ballots out to everyone on the voter rolls. Those voters have the option to return those ballots by mail, in person, or to a drop box until election day. This is typically referred to as “vote by mail.” Other states require you to request a ballot to vote early. Sometimes a reason needs to be given and approved before an early ballot is granted. This is typically referred to as “absentee voting.” (13)
Question:
If you have mail-in voting in your state and you want to vote in person, what should you do with your ballot? Select all that are TRUE: A) throw it away B) bring it with you to the polls C) give it to someone who doesn’t have a ballot D) check your state laws D In most states that have mail in voting, B is also true but check your state’s laws to be sure. Your ballot security envelope may contain a specific code that identifies it as yours. Giving it to another person could result in voter fraud and your vote not being counted.(15)
Question:
What should you do if you lose the early voting ballot that was mailed to you? Select all that are true A) Contact your town clerk B) Go to the polls on election day and sign an affidavit attesting that you lost your ballot. C) Check your state laws. D) Unfortunately there is nothing you can do about it. C (A and B are true in most states that have vote by mail.) (14)
Question:
What should you do if your mail-in ballot does not arrive in your mail box? Select all that are TRUE: A) Know that your right to vote has been canceled B) Contact your town clerk or other local voting official C) Picket outside your post office D) Contact a national resource like 866-OUR-VOTE B and D Last-minute attempts to change election procedures are causing a great deal of confusion. Your town clerk or local election officials are the best resource for ballot questions. Reach out to them as soon as you know there is a problem. Even at the last minute, you may be able to vote on a provisional ballot. (16)
Looking for References?
Scroll to the bottom or
click HERE.
Want to share this voting resources?
Scroll to the bottom for a ready to print table top flier.
Question:
True or False: In the U.S., security forces are traditionally used to deter voter fraud. False In the U.S. voter fraud prevention relies on verification, audits and post-election review – not force. For elections to be fairly administered, they must occur in a non-coercive environment. (19)
Question:
True or False: Military personnel are barred from engaging with voters at the polls? True Under U.S. law, active duty U.S. military forces are barred from serving as polling place security or engaging in election administration. Election security is a civilian, state run function. (18)
Question:
True or False: Election Day is always November 3rd? False Election Day for Federal elections is established by U.S. law. It is required to be the Tuesday after the first Monday in November every even-numbered year. In 2026, it is November 3rd.(20)
Question:
How often are congressional districts traditionally redrawn? A) Every 4 years B) Every 8 years C) Every 10 years D) No particular interval C The U.S. does a census every 10 years. After the census, House seats are divided among the states according to their populations. States must then draw new congressional maps according to population shifts and other factors as they see fit. These maps are normally used until the next census. That schedule keeps districts stable so voters know which congressional district they are in. The rules around redistricting are determined by state law, subject to the Voting Rights Act and the Equal-Population rule. (21)
Question:
What year was the constitution amended to set term limits for the President? A) 1789 B) 1881 C) 1951 D) 1969 C Term limits for the President were established with the ratification of the 22nd Amendment ratified in1951. This amendment limits individuals to being elected President no more than twice. They were established primarily in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four terms in office. (23)
Question:
What is the significance of the Elections Clause of the Constitution? A) It grants the executive branch great powers over elections B) It prohibits Congress from passing any laws about elections C) It grants the states primary control over how elections operate D) None, it has been essentially nullified by later amendments C The Election Clause splits election authority between states (which set the initial rules) and Congress (which can override those rules.) “The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of Choosing Senators.” (22)
Question:
Federal officials elected are not all elected at the same time? Which of the following is FALSE? A) President and Vice President are elected every four years. B) Governors are elected every 4 years. C) U.S. Senators are elected every 6 years D) U.S. Representatives are elected every 2 years B Governors are not Federal officials. They are elected every four years in most states. Vermont and New Hampshire are elected for 2 years. Senators are elected for six year terms, with only one-third of the Senate being up for election at a time every two years. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are elected every two years. All 435 House seats are up for election during midterm and presidential election years. (24)
Question:
Question:
True or False: There have been more than 100 cases where a voting machine has been manipulated into changing the outcome of a vote? False Although sophisticated security experts have found that it is technically possible to manipulate voting machines under certain testing conditions, there is no evidence that these weaknesses have been used to effect any U.S. election outcomes. (25)
Question:
True or False: If you are still waiting in line to vote when the polls close, don’t worry. The polls will stay open until you have your turn to vote. True The polls will stay open until everyone who was in line before the polls closed has the chance to vote. If this happens to you, don’t get out of line, just continue to wait until it’s your turn. (27)
Question:
True or False: All voting machines are required to be connected to the internet? False Voting machines are not allowed to be connected to the internet, making large scale remote hacking virtually impossible. (26)
Question:
True or False: If you make a mistake on your ballot, your should simply cross it out and submit the ballot. False If you make a mistake, ask a poll worker for a new ballot. (28)
Question:
What’s the best way to vote more than once if the election is really important? Select all that are TRUE: A) Voting twice is voter fraud B) It is hard to know how severely you would be punished because voter fraud is so incredibly rare C) In some states voting twice is a felony, punishable by fines and up to five years in prison D) All of the above D Just don’t. (29)
Question:
When are election results finalized? A) By midnight on Election Day B) Federal law demands they be done within 48 hours at which point the Federal courts will intervene C) Federal law demands they be done within 14 days at which point the Federal courts will intervene D) The certification process depends on state law D Preliminary results are often reported on election day. Candidates often concede so the outcome is often determined before the final counts are available. No deadline is set by Federal law. In most states, the final results are not certified until mail-in and provisional ballots are counted, and a ballot audit is completed. In a ballot audit, election officials check a sample of paper ballots to ensure they match the machine counts before they certify the results. If the numbers don’t match, the final result may be further delayed for a full hand count to be completed. (31)
Question:
In the U.S. who monitors polling places? Select all that are true A) Military personnel B) Poll workers and poll observers C) Civilian observers D) Local police B and C Monitoring of polls is done by poll workers who are trained by their state, and civilian observers who are authorized by their state. (30)
Question:
What is the longest time it ever took to certify a U.S. Federal election? A) 48 hours B) 18 days C) 4 months D) 6 months C The controversial federal election of 1876 took 4 months to resolve conflicts and certify the election of Rutherford B. Hayes. By comparison, Gore versus Bush in the 2000 election took 18 days. (32)
Question:
Which of the following amendments to the Constitution did NOT expand the right to vote? A) 15th B) 19th C) 21st D) 24th C • The 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment (which established a nationwide prohibition of alcohol.) Ratified in 1933. • The 15th Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, or color. Ratified 1869 • The 19th Amendment extends suffrage to women, prohibiting gender-based voting restrictions. Ratified 1919 • The 24th Amendment bars poll taxes in federal elections, removing a financial barrier to voting. Ratified 1962 • The 26th Amendment lowers the voting age to 18 in federal, state, and local elections. Ratified 1971 • The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment provides a constitutional check against discriminatory voting laws. Ratified 1868 Don't take your right to vote for granted! (33)
Question:
True or False: It’s really only important to vote every 4 years in the Presidential Elections. False There is power at all levels of government, from a town’s Select Board to a state’s Governor to a US Senator. If you skip those elections, you give up your say in who represents you. It may not seem to matter much … until it does. (35)
Question:
True or False: The Insurrection Act is commonly invoked to protect election security? False The Insurrection Act has never been invoked to protect elections; it is primarily used in extreme circumstances to address insurrections or civil disorder. It was not even invoked to protect elections during the Civil War. (34)
Question:
True or False: My vote matters. True Important elections have been won by very small margins. Your vote matters! Did you know that in 1960, John F. Kennedy won the popular vote by less than 120,000 votes out of 68.8 million votes cast. That’s less than 0.02% of votes. In 1996, the Vermont Senate seat for Rutland County was won by just 2 votes! (36)
References:
1) What percent of votes in the U.S. generate a paper ballot that is verified by the voter to be correct? A) 25% B) 50% C) 75% D) Close to 100%
D
More than 95% of votes in the U.S. Federal elections are backed up by a voter-verified paper ballot. Voting machine results can then be verified by reviewing a sample of paper ballots for accuracy. When necessary an entire hand count of the paper ballots can be done. This is why it is so important that paper ballots be held securely.
https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/2024_EAVS_Report_508.pdf page 20
2)How often does mail-in voting fraud happen? A) 5 times in a 100 votes B) 5 times in 1000 votes C) 5 times in a million votes D) 5 times in 10 million votes
D
For an analysis of the impact of mail-in voting see the Brooking Institute’s report: Mail voting in the U.S.: Data points to very low fraud and significant benefits to voters.
https://ballotpedia.org/How_do_states_verify_absentee/mail-in_ballots%3F_(2024)
GET-OUT-THE-VOTE TABLE TOP FLIER
Feel free to print and distribute in your community:
Click for ready-to-print PDF:
Looking for a Vermont based printer?
Try inkspot press:
