2004 Programs and Events

Lao Students Learn About U.S. Elections at American Center Program (Oct. 7, 2004)

Forty-eight students visited the American Center (Corner) to hear a talk on the U.S. elections by Consular Officer Larry Woodruff organized by the Public Affairs Section. The program providing general information about the election process and the candidates to students who know almost nothing about elections and who live in a single-party country where elections rarely take place. Many handouts were distributed, including biodata on the two candidates, a calendar of election-related events, a list of websites for further information, and a copy of an actual absentee ballot. Questions from the students after the talk included the expected one about why the candidate with the most votes did not win the election in 2000, which was answered in a quick and simple explanation of the Electoral College. Upcoming programs will focus on the candidates and the issue, how Americans learn about the candidates and issues, and polling and the expected close results on November 2.