Civic Holidays are nonpartisan days of action that bring people and groups together to encourage voting and celebrate democracy. Kansas libraries and community groups can partner with the Civic Holidays organization to promote voting, access free materials and host events to help encourage individuals to participate in democracy.
Information in the following websites is nonpartisan.
More information can be found at Kansas Secretary of State | Elections | Important Election Dates.
Take a look at the tabbed information below for ways your library can observe and support Civic Holidays in your community.
National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating American democracy. Volunteers have helped over 6 million Americans register to vote since 2012. Kansas libraries and community groups can join, get free swag and host events that encourage people to vote.
National Voter Education Week (NVEW) is an open-source, nonpartisan voter education campaign held the first week of October that equips voters with the tools and information they need to cast their ballots with confidence. NVEW is a resource hub for leaders of any community and context who want to help their networks make their voices heard. During this week of interactive education, voters learn to find their polling location, understand their ballot, make a plan to vote in person or by mail, and more.
Each day has its own theme, so be sure to check out their website for information on how to complete all 5 steps! https://votereducationweek.org/
Vote Early Day is a nonpartisan movement of media companies, businesses, nonprofits, election administrators, and creatives working to ensure all Americans have the tools to vote early. When Americans vote early, they ensure that last-minute problems will not prevent them from casting their ballots – and help shorten voting lines on Election Day for everyone. But voting early rules – both for in-person and by-mail options – vary widely all over the country, causing confusion and preventing voters from casting their ballots. We’re here to make voting early easier.
To find out how you can vote early and help others vote early, check out their website https://voteearlyday.org/
Election Hero Day is a day were we recognize the immense importance and work of election administration teams, poll workers, and more across the nation. Election workers and volunteers have a tough job. These critical members of our communities work hard to ensure that voters will be able to cast their ballots safely and successfully in 2024 - often working upwards of 20 hour days to make this election possible. Whether a first-time volunteer at a polling location, or a long-time election worker - our community says thank you to our election heroes.
To learn how you can join business leaders, elected officials, nonprofits, and people from around the country in celebrating these heroes of our democracy, go to https://electionheroday.org/
All libraries and other civically minded organizations in Kansas are encouraged to participate in any or all of these Civic Holidays. All of the Civic Holiday sites offer printable materials, social media images, and tool kits. NVRD and Vote Early Day will send you promotional swag for signing up as a partner! Promoting civic engagement by hosting an event is a great way to reach out to your community and get them involved in our democracy!
You can simply provide voters with what they need to register. Below are resources you can use in your building and highlight on your website and social media accounts. You can also share any of the other links on this page that meet the needs of your community!
Mary Krantz
Outreach Reference Librarian
Mary.Krantz@ks.gov
785-296-2149