This blog post was written by Mary Goolsby, Director of Poage Library.
“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
The Poage Library contains campaign materials from 1935 to the present, demonstrating the evolution of elections over the past 85+ years. Representatives Bob Poage, John Dowdy, O. C. Fisher, and Thomas Pickett carried out very different campaigns than their successors. Those running for office today operate in an entirely new landscape due to the Internet and social media.
Voters also have a different path to navigate with misinformation, attack ads, and robocalls being the norm. We do, however, have a wealth of information at our fingertips. The trick is to identify non-partisan sources that will help you find the information you need to study the issues and register to vote.
The League of Women Voters (LWV) is one such organization. LWV.org sponsors the website VOTE411.org, where the state LWV records the answers received from state candidates, and the local chapters enter information from county and local leaders whenever possible. VOTE411 will allow you to enter your address in order to help you customize your ballot so you know exactly what races and candidates you are voting for.
Here are a few other non-partisan websites with voter information:
Baylor.edu/BearsVote [In cooperation with the Andrew Goodman Foundation]
TurboVote.org – “the Netflix of Voting”
Poage Library has two volunteer deputy registrars on staff – Mary Goolsby and Amanda Fisher – if you would like help completing your McLennan County voter registration in person. If you are from Texas and want to vote in your hometown, check VoteTexas.gov – the Texas Attorney General’s website for voter information. If your hometown is outside of Texas, locate your state attorney general’s website for assistance.
Start preparing today to ensure you have your game plan ready for voting early, by mail, or on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3).