Research Paper:
Becoming an Informed Voter Assignment.
Michelle Monclova
Helm’s School of Government, Liberty University
GOVT220 American Government (C03)
Dr. Marcia Bennett
March 13, 2024
Becoming an informed voter
Becoming an informed voter is crucial in getting to know about the candidates who are
running for office. America takes pride in the freedom of its citizens. One of the most important
freedoms is the right to vote. Voting allows citizens an opportunity to have their vote, voice
heard, and be represented, especially where they live. An informed voter should understand the
recent political history of their residence, know the political stance of both their district and state,
and be aware of their representatives’ rise to power as well as their aims while in office.
Concerning political history, the two principal areas of residence that voters should focus on
are their district and state. For example, Albany County is the Capital of New York, and New
York is broken up into five boroughs Manhattan County(founded in 1624), Brooklyn County,
Briefly Brooklyn’s origins date back to 1636, when the town of “Breuckelen” was founded by
Dutch colonists due to it geography, on the river., Queens (1683), Staten Island, and the Bronx.
The Bronx is another borough of New York City, which is in the state of New York. It is the
northernmost of the five boroughs and is the one situated on the mainland. It was named after
Jonas Bronck, a Swedish settler who set up the first permanent settlement in the area in 1639.
The Bronx became a borough of New York City in 1898 along with the other four boroughs.
There are fifty-nine community districts within the New York area. The southern district of
New York includes Manhattan, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Westchester
counties and the Bronx. The western district of NY includes Genessee, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus,
Allegany, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, Yates, Steuben, Schuyler, and Chemung.
Over the past 25 years in New York, there have been significant political events and
developments that have shaped the state’s political landscape. The following are key highlights:
1. Governors.
New York had various governors over the past 25 years, including George Pataki, David
Patterson, Andrew Cuomo, and Kathy Hochul, Andrew Cuomo, who served as governor from
2011 to 2021, faced several scandals towards the end of his tenure, which led him to resign
from his position in 2021.
2. 9/11 Attacks
The terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001, had a profound impact on New York politics and the
state. The response to the attacks, the recovery efforts, and the later security measures all
influenced the political landscape in the state.
3. Marriage Equality
In 2011, New York became the sixth state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage. This
was a significant moment in the state’s history and reflected shifting social attitudes toward
LGBTQ rights. This clearly does not follow a biblical alignment because Genesis says, "So
God created man in his own image; in the image of God, he created him; male and female
he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and
fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the
birds.'"(Klett, 2015) God explains that marriage is between one man and one woman.
Together they become one flesh.
4. Corruption Scandals
New York has seen its fair share of corruption scandals over the past 25 years, including
state legislature, city officials, and others. These scandals have led to calls for ethics reform
and greater transparency in government.
5. Infrastructure
Infrastructure has been a key issue in New York, with debates over founding
transportation projects, the state of the subway system in New York City, and efforts to
rebuild after natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy.
6. Criminal Justice Reform
New York has seen efforts to reform the criminal justice system, including changes to bail
reform laws, efforts to address mass incarceration, and discussions around police reform and
accountability.
7. COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, had a significant impact on New York,
leading to shutdowns, economic challenges, and debates over public health policies, Governor
Andrew Cuomo’s heading of the pandemic was a major focus of political discourse during this
time. These are a were examples of the political events and developments that have shaped New
York over the past 25 years.
The State has a rich political history and continues to be a key player in national politics.
According to the video entitled, “Becoming an Informed Voter” there are Interest groups that can
rate each congressional representative based on specific political topics. There are several
different interest groups to investigate, but on the liberal side, the most prominent groups are the
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Americans for Democratic Action (ADA). On
the other hand, the conservatives have the American Conservative Union (ACU) and the Family
Research Council (FRC). First, looking at Geogory Meeks, the Family Research Council gives
him an 8% rating and the American Civil Liberties Union gives 100% rating, while the American
Conservative Union gives him a 4% rating. From just these two interest groups, we can see that
Gregory Meeks is clearly democratic and supports a liberal agenda. Furthermore, the American
Civil Liberties Union gave Chuck Schumer a 75% rating, while the American Conservative
Union gives him a 5% rating. Yet again, we can see that his ratings are strictly democratic.
Charles Ellis Schumer (Chuck Schumer)
Chuck Schumer is Senior Democratic Majority Leader from New York who has been
serving in the United States Senate since 1999. Here are some key points about Chuck Schumer:
1. Early Life and Education
Charles Ellis Schumer was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He still lives there
with his wife, Iris Weinshall. They have two daughters Jessica and Allison. He attended public
school and graduated from James Madison High School. Before he attended and graduated from
Harvard College and Harvard Law School.
2. Political Career.
Schumer began his political career in the New York State Assembly, serving from 1975 to
1980. He then served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1999 before he was
elected to U.S. Senate in 1998.
3. Senator Career
In the Senate Schumer has been a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. He has
served in leadership roles, including as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and Chair of the
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
4. Policy Positions
Schumer is known for his advocacy on a wide range of issues, including gun control,
immigration reform, healthcare, and economic issues. He has been a vocal critic of the Trump
administration and has worked on legislation related to these policy areas. According to
votesnart.org, During 2015-2016, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, gave him a 100
percent rating. (Votesmart.org). According to votesmart.org,
5. Senate Majority Leader.
Following the 2020 elections, Schumer became the Senate Majority Leader in January
2021 after Democrats gained control of the Senate. This made him one of the most powerful
figures in the U.S. government.
6. Relationship with New York
Schumer has been a strong advocate for New York State, working to secure funding for
various projects and initiatives in the state. He has also been involved in efforts to address issues
affecting New York City and the state as a whole,
7. 2020 Elections and Beyond
Schumer was re-elected to the Senate in the 2020 elections. As Senate Majority leady, he
has played an essential role in advancing President Joe Biden’s agenda, including passing
economic relief packages and infrastructure legislation.
Chuck Schumer is known for his political acumen, thinking strategically, and his ability
to work across party lines in certain issues. He has remained a significant figure in American
politics and has continues to play an essential role in shaping national policies and legislation.
Gregory Meeks
Gregory Weldon Meeks is an American politician who has been serving as the U.S.
Representative for New York’s 5th congressional district since 1998. Here are some key points
about Gregory Meeks:
1. Early Life and Education
Gregory Meeks was born in East Harlem, NY on September 25. 1953. He earned a
Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Adelphi University and Juris Doctor from Howard
University School of Law.
2. Political Career
Meeks began his political career as a prosecutor in the Queens County District Attorney’s
office. He then served in the New York State Assembly from 1992 to 1998 before he was elected
to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998.
3. Congressional Career
Meeks represents the New York Congressional district, which includes parts of Queens
and Nassau County. He is a member of the Democratic Party and has been a member of the
Democratic Party and has been a strong advocate for his constituents on issues such as economic
development, affordable housing, and civil rights.
4. Committee Memberships
Meeks has served on various committees during his time in Congress, including the
House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Hew Hs
has been a vocal voice on issues related to financial regulation, international trade, and foreign
policy.
5. Community Engagement
Meeks is actively involved in his community and has worked on initiatives to promote
economic development, job creation and affordable housing in his district. He has also been a
leader in efforts to address social justice issues and advocate for less fortunate communities.
6. Leadership Roles
Meeks has held leadership roles within the Democratic Party, including serving as the
Chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee and as a member of
the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.
7. Legislative Priorities
Throughout his career, Meeks has focused on issues such as expanding access to
affordable healthcare, supporting small business, advocating for fair housing policies, and
promoting diversity and inclusion in government and society.
Gregory Meeks is known for his dedication to public service, his advocacy for his
constituents, and his work on a wide range of issues affecting his district and the nation. He
continues to play a significant role in Congress and in promoting the interests of his constituents
in New York. Two very democratic leaders heavily influenced New York.
In Conclusion, becoming an informed voter may seem like a daunting task, but it is
necessary element in the realm of voting. I live in Bronx, New York, and I can personally say
that I live in a very liberal, democratic region. I do not have to do any research, to decide on who
gets my vote. I have been voting since I turned eighteen. I know that is especially important to
vote, to get your voice heard. Especially since this is an important election year. I know that my
district representative is Gregory Meeks, and my state senator is Chuck Schumer. I was born and
raised in the Bronx; I love living here in New York. However, living in an area so heavily
populated by liberals is a wonderful opportunity to share my opinion and spread the Word of
God which is the greatest opportunity available. Voting can be a daunting task, but it is important
that the citizens are properly informed on their representative's political stance before they vote
on a candidate. Taking the time to research voting history, political stances, and congressional
representatives is for the better.
Reference:
1. https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/4360/gregory-meeks
2. https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/26976/chuck-schumer
3. https://meeks.house.gov/about/biography
4. https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/583549/pages/watch-becoming-an-
informed-voter?module_item_id=64392989
5. Klett, Leah. M. (2015, Jun.29). “Top Bible Verses About Homosexuality Used In
Same-Sex Marriage Debate.” The Gospel Herald Life
https://www.gospelherald.com/articles/56293/20150629/top-bible-verses-
about-homosexuality-used-in-gay-marriage-debate.htm?
gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqdqvBhCPARIsANrmZhPJYzAlWUsVwqbk5Y
c9VRj6gRvoCA_YOXq4fxX3-j2vjJSxBb9NN5saAlJGEALw_wcB
6. https://www.aclu.org/scorecard/legislators/ny-gregory-meeks/
7. https://www.aclu.org/scorecard/legislators/ny-charles-schumer/
8. http://ratings.conservative.org/people/S000148
9. http://rating
https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF04J12.pdfs.conservative.org/people/
M001137
