Get involved before and after the elections! There’s a lot you can do to make a difference between now and Election Day — and beyond.
There are many ways for you to get the facts on candidates, their platforms, and other important issues facing the nation.
With a free library card, you have access to some amazing resources that make it easy to get the facts about the issues that matter, including:
There are a lot more great websites online that are interesting starting points to research about elections:
Here’s an example of how to get the facts of an issue on the ballot in Virginia:
You probably have heard by now that fake news is a real problem all over the planet. But when it comes for you, it can be tricky to figure out if you are being duped.
Fortunately there are many websites and sources that check the facts on everything from viral hoax videos to sketchy news articles and help you steer clear of misinformation:
Once you’ve learned about the issues that matter to you, spread the word about them to the people in your life who will be old enough to cast a ballot. Make your voice heard, and help them get ready to vote.
Help them find their polling place in Fairfax County, or track their ballot online through the Virginia Department of Elections.
You can also share your opinions (and these resources!) to help equip your friends, neighbors, and family to make an informed decision this year.
If you are looking for ways to volunteer, you likely heard about the Election Day High School Student Program from a teacher at your high school. This only applies for November elections.
Or find an organization that lines up with the cause you care about. You can also volunteer with a nonpartisan group devoted just to getting out the vote:
Many groups are looking for volunteers to help them reach potential voters through Election Day – from the comfort of your own couch — through activities like phone banking and text banking.
Drawing the Vote by
"Coinciding with the 2020 US presidential election, Drawing the Vote, an original graphic novel, looks at the history of voting rights in the United States, and how it has affected the way we vote today. Author Tommy Jenkins traces this history from the earliest steps toward democracy during the American Revolution, to the upheaval caused by the Civil War, the fight for women's suffrage, the Civil Rights movement, the election of an African American president, and the control by a Republican majority. Along the way, Jenkins identifies events and trends that led to the unprecedented results of the 2016 presidential election that left Americans wondering, 'how did this happen?' To balance these complex ideas and statistics, Kati Lacker's clean artistic style makes the book both beautiful and accessible. At a time when many citizens are experiencing apathy about voting and skepticism concerning our bitterly divided political parties, Drawing the Vote seeks to offer some explanation for how we got here and how every American can take action to make their vote count"-- Provided by publisher.
Thank You for Voting Young Readers' Edition by
"Did you know that voting in any election--from mayor to president--is a privilege and a right? Americans eighteen and older are allowed to vote! But this hasn't always been the case for everyone. From the founders of this country to Jim Crow to women's suffrage to gerrymandering--and everything in between--Erin Geiger Smith takes an in-depth look at the fascinating and complex history of voting in the United States. Learn the history, discover what you can do now to get more people to vote, and get empowered to ask BIG questions like: What can I do to support my favorite candidate? ; How can I make a difference in my community? ; Who can I talk to about the issues I believe in? Anyone can make a difference in the world by standing up for what they believe in--and that includes voting!"--Book jacket.
What You Need to Know about Voting - and Why by
"Want to change the world? The first step is to exercise your right to vote! In this step by step guide, you can learn everything you need to know. In What You Need to Know About Voting and Why, law professor and constitutional scholar Kimberly Wehle offers practical, useful advice on the mechanics of voting and an enlightening survey of its history and future. What is a primary? How does the electoral college work? Who gets to cast a ballot and why? How do mail-in ballots work? How do I register? For new voters, would-be voters, young people and all of us looking ahead to the next election, What You Need to Know About Voting and Why is a timely and informative guide, providing the background you need in order to make informed choices that will shape our shared destiny for decades to come."--Publisher's website
