Supporting Free Speech and Libraries at the Polls

Your vote counts toward making effective change, especially at the local level. This is why it is especially important for you to be informed about ballot measures and issues that affect your community.

Your vote can impact so many aspects of your life, including access to resources like parks and public libraries along with funding for public education. It is important to research all of the candidates on the ballot before you vote and to know your stance on a variety of issues.

The following are some issues that you might consider researching ahead of the 2024 election. 

• Funding for Public Libraries
  • As a taxpayer, you can decide how your taxes impact your local community. This is especially important when there are ballot measures for library funding because 90% of library funding is determined at the local level. Ballot measures allow you to use your vote to help support libraries, often by providing necessary funding to maintain essential services, programs, and collection development. 

• Funding for Public Education
  • Public education is vital for local communities to flourish. It is a great equalizer that allows people from all backgrounds to learn about diverse perspectives and to grow their critical thinking skills. Funding public education and libraries within schools is essential to maintaining a healthy and informed community. Public education is important in maintaining a democracy because there is a separation of church and state and regulated education agencies set standards for educational merit that each district is required to meet. School vouchers and educational savings accounts often take away funding from public education. 

• First Amendment and Censorship
  • One of the founding principles of democracy is the freedom of expression afforded by the First Amendment. Censorship and book bans take away this freedom and personal choice. The First Amendment protects the right of each individual to choose their own reading materials and access information. 

Being an engaged voter starts with you. You have to put in the work to ensure that you are informed about issues that are important to you. Start by taking a stance on key issues related to libraries by using the library to research fact-based information. Then, ask your librarian for a candidate guide, explaining each candidate’s position on these issues of importance. Finally, take a stance for your beliefs by voting for candidates who support your position. 

Explore our resources to learn more about issues in your community today.