The Almost Painless Guide to the Election Process uses contemporary footage, archival footage and photographs, original graphics, and dialog narration to provide students in grades five and up with information on the election process. The program explores the qualifications needed to vote or become a candidate, including the concept of citizenship and how it applies to running for political office and voting eligibility. It explains political parties and their diversity and usefulness in presenting candidates to the public. Time is also spent detailing platforms that were significant in United States electoral history, such as suffrage. The 15th, 19th, and 26th amendments, and how they expanded voting rights, are explained in detail. The significance of the different types of elections is covered û including general, primary, initiative, and recall elections. The purpose of the Electoral College and its role in electing the president is also clarified. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the involvement of citizens in each step of the process, such as grass roots campaigning and citizen involvement. The program concludes with “The Almost Painless Review,” which offers an excellent synopsis of the entire program. Also, a Video Quiz is provided prior to the closing credits.

Originally released by Media Rich Learning, 2012. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on February 07, 2018.

Voting and Candidacy (3:27); --Political Parties (3:00); -- Types of Elections (4:21); -- Election Museum (1:28); -- Review and Quiz (4:43); -- Credits: The Election Process (Revised) (0:09); .