Weekend TV : Programmers Do Their Bit in Trying to Get Out the Vote

On this weekend before Tuesday’s election, the small screen will be crammed with programs encouraging viewers to exercise their right to vote.

NBC provides a prime-time “Campaign Countdown” Sunday at 7 p.m. (4)(36)(39). Hosted by Tom Brokaw, the hour will include a live interview with Democratic hopeful Michael Dukakis, plus late poll results, an examination of political ads and an irreverent look at the presidential race via the verbal jabs of several comedians.

Earlier, NBC’s “Sunday Today” (7 a.m.) looks at where the candidates stand on such issues as crime, the environment, defense and abortion. At 8 a.m., CBS’ “Sunday Morning” evaluates the mood of the voting public and reunites staffers from Harry S. Truman’s 1948 upset over Thomas Dewey.

Dukakis’ running mate Sen. Lloyd Bentsen and George Bush campaign pollster Robert Teeter will discuss the election on “Meet the Press” Sunday at 8:30 a.m. (4)(36)(39).

Bentsen and Barbara Bush will appear on “Face the Nation” at 4:30 p.m. (2), 11:30 p.m. (8).

Bush campaign chairman James A. Baker III and Dukakis campaign co-chairman Gov. Mario Cuomo also address the election on “This Week With David Brinkley” at 1:30 p.m. (7)(3)(10)(42).

On the entertainment front Sunday, Fox has the season premieres of “21 Jump Street” at 8 p.m. (11), 7 p.m. (6), “Married . . . With Children” at 9:30 p.m. (11), 8:30 p.m. (6) and “The Tracey Ullman Show” at 10:30 p.m. (11), 9:30 p.m. (6).

One of the best episodes of “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show,” in which Jackie Schumaker gives birth in Shandling’s living room, highlights the Fox lineup at 10 p.m. (11), 9 p.m. (6).