Volume XL: Libraries As Beacons of Democracy
How they work to usher in voter equity
Introduction
As we approach another election season—one that many have labeled as “unprecedented”—libraries across the U.S. are working hard to increase opportunities for democracy. Especially as more states enact voting restrictions, what role do libraries play, and how, with their help, can we fight for equity here and abroad?
The 2024 election is dominating the news cycle, especially as surprise after surprise occurs. And behind-the-scenes there are countless organizations and individuals working to ensure people are registering to vote, have a voting plan, and understand what’s on their ballot. One key institution working to do so? Libraries.
Not only are they a book lover’s haven, but a foundational part of building the so-called democracy our country loves to brag about. What’s more democratic than an institution that fights for voting rights, provides free resources to individuals with no strings attached—no matter their documentation or housing status, serves as cooling centers, and offers free programing and care for young ones? A space where everyone, technically, should have rights and feel empowered in education and growth? However, as we know, libraries are just one of the many institutions and equitable services that are under attack in this year’s election.
In this issue, we’re looking at the history of libraries and voting, the various roles libraries play during an election, as well as critical issues on the ballot and the resources we can turn to for further learning.
A Deeper Look
In 1993, Congress enacted the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), an act that aims to increase voting opportunities. The law includes various provisions, one of which is that states can deem libraries as voter registration and polling places. Since, many states have challenged and not abided by the act, with both the Department of Justice and various organizations filing lawsuits. And, for some reason, not all states have allowed for libraries to act as voter registrants. However, even if they aren’t able to register individuals to vote, libraries and librarians often work hard to increase voter knowledge.
Amongst other efforts, libraries across the country:
provide information about voting, registration, and eligibility (including in different languages);
host polling places and ballot drop off boxes;
welcome candidates for debates and forums; and
create displays and digital guides that showcase resources on ballot issues.
And beyond these resources, libraries and librarians play a huge role in helping individuals combat misinformation—during an election season and beyond. As a center for evaluated and trustworthy resources, as well as their offering of various services to enhance critical thinking skills, libraries can help everyone better evaluate what they see and hear online, in the media, and in conversation.
Many organizations advocating for specific issues also use the library as a space for organization. Whether defending LGBTQIA+ rights, access to reproductive justice, a book club dedicated to learning about and expanding antiracism efforts, and plenty more, libraries provide a safe spot for gathering and momentum.
But many politicians and parental groups upholding white supremacist values are fighting to restrict the role libraries play in our society, just as they are fighting to remove and limit access to reproductive justice, LGBTQIA+ care, our country’s history, and plenty more. In Idaho, readers must show an ID to prove they are 18 or older to gain access to an “adult only” section. In this section, books might range from Looking for Alaska to those deemed “sexual” because of LGBTQIA+ identities. Not only does this impact young readers, but puts the safety and equitable access of unhoused and undocumented individuals at risk. (And, please remember: This is overwhelmingly most often not the desire of librarians. They often have no choice but to comply or face closure, harassment and threats, and more.)
As always, this isn’t a “red state vs. blue state” issue—even in New York City, the NYPL system has faced extreme budget cuts. Only after months of outcry and demand—the cuts closing many branches on weekends, limiting staffing, and more—did the mayor restore the budget.
Ways to Respond
There are countless critical issues at stake during this year’s election, and fighting for library services is just one of them. We’ve outlined just a few of these below, and encourage you to visit your library and utilize their insightful resources—whether that be books, digital websites and journals, documentaries, or asking librarians questions—to learn more about the different paths forward and shape your vote. You can learn what’s on the ballot at a local, state, and federal level, and which politicians/props are expanding vs. diminishing rights. Not only will this benefit your understanding of the issues at hand, but also show your local government the demand for libraries and access to these resources. Over time, this may lead to increasing their budget, their ability to support voter registration, and much more.
And while Project 2025 is (understandably) making headlines, many of the ideas outlined within are already in motion—both at a local, state, and federal level. While voting will play a huge role in how and whether or not many of those ideas are brought to fruition, we cannot depend alone on the act to protect and ensure equitable rights. We must vote, protest, donate, volunteer, have hard conversations, and plenty more.
LGBTQIA+ rights: From anti-trans bills that restrict access to restrooms, sports teams and clubs, and identifying students by their preferred pronouns, to limits on gender affirming care, there is much at stake in this election season regarding LGBTQIA+ rights.
Reproductive rights: Since the reversal of Roe v Wade, many states have restricted abortion access and other forms of reproductive justice.
Banned books and education: Book and educational bans have increased over the past few years, and they don’t show any sign of slowing down. Not only do these bans impact students who are unable to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, but also prevents students from learning truthful history, instead elevating a whitewashed version.
Voting rights and federal reform: Many politicians are making it harder for folks to vote, despite bills like the NVRA. From preventing organizations that enable registration to limiting the number of polls, voting has become harder in many areas across the country. And our judicial system is not helping.
The climate emergency, affordable housing, food stamps, and other safety/security measures: There are plenty of issues at stake that disproportionately impact low-income, BIPOC, and/or single parent households. For example, in California, voters passed Prop 47 in 2014. The prop turned certain non-violent property crimes and drug possession into misdemeanors. However, this year, Californians can vote to repeal parts of the prop, claiming it will reduce the number of unhoused individuals (which is not true—high costs and loss of income lead to unhousing). In reality, it will take funding away from mental health and substance abuse treatment, and funnel more people into our country’s problematic incarceration system.
Recommended reading to checkout from your library: Poverty, By America and Evicted.
And last, but most certainly not least, we can’t talk about this year’s election without discussing a ceasefire in Gaza and the future of Palestinian liberation.* Libraries and schools across Gaza have been systematically targeted by the Israeli army, leading to what is known as cultural genocide. Whichever politician is elected will have the opportunity to change our country’s relationship with Israel and defend the Palestinian people and culture. We can’t stop pushing for change now, nor after the election season. As Angela Davis aptly wrote: freedom is a constant struggle.
Recommended reading to checkout from your library here and here.
*There are plenty more issues at stake that intersect and diverge from these—policing and subsequent violence, the rights of undocumented individuals, incarceration and death penalties, and access to healthcare, for example.
Final Musings
Since VP Kamala Harris became the likely nominee for the democratic party, many individuals have been feeling a second wave of hope, especially going into an election facing Trump and the circulation of Project 2025. At the same time, many have felt as if nothing has changed, knowing that Harris is from the party (and administration) that has financially supported the genocide abroad. Voting can help our voice be heard at a local and national level. And an election doesn’t define when we start or stop pushing for the issues we care about—we have to fight for what we believe in before, during, and after the electoral cycle because democracy unfortunately has never been a given.
As always, and until Palestine is free, here are some actions we can take to advocate for liberation.
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