The Power of the Vote

Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy.  Richland Library's staff is working to make sure that every resident has the information and resources they need to successfully engage in the political process, ensuring their voice is heard.

Our collections, services and programming reflect the broad range of viewpoints and cultures that exist in our community, and we remain steadfast in our mission to provide customers with unfettered access to information and safe spaces for all. 

For voters of color, engaging in elections isn't always easy or a guarantee. So how do people of color, particularly Black and Latinx citizens, effectively participate in elections?

Understand Voter Suppression

“Voter suppression is any effort, either legal or illegal, by way of laws, administrative rules, and/or tactics that prevents eligible voters from registering to vote or voting."--Demand the Vote

Knowledge is power.  Understand what voter suppression looks like and find organizations that are working to fight against disenfranchisement:

• The Voting Rights Alliance shares 61 Forms of Voter Suppression.  
• Fair Fight, founded by Stacey Abrams, "promotes fair elections in Georgia and around the country, encourage voter participation in elections, and educate voters about elections and their voting rights."

Know Your Rights

Beware of misinformation about who can vote, when you can vote or how you can vote:

• "In South Carolina, individuals convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving a violation of election law are barred from voting until full completion of their sentences, including any term of incarceration, probation or parole. Individuals convicted of any other misdemeanor are only disfranchised while incarcerated. While not required by law, it is recommended that individuals include proof of completion of sentence with their voter registration form."--ACLU SC
• "If a voter is in line to vote before polls close then they have a right to stay in line until they can cast their ballot. But, sometimes election officials will close a polling place the second it hits the official closing time which is in violation of election law."--Demand the Vote                         
• "Absentee voting has become more popular in recent years and 2020 is no exception, given the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. While voters could place their vote via absentee ballot in the primary in June, simply due to the presence of the virus, this is not the case for the general election in November. Voters have to meet certain criteria and there are guidelines for who can vote absentee and how."--How to Vote Absentee in the General Election

Know Who or What You’re Voting For

In this year's Richland County primary, some voters realized their ballot was incorrect.  It is critical to be an informed voter.  

• Vote 411 is a one-stop shop for personalized voting information | Created by the League of Women Voters Education Fund.  
• The South Carolina Election Commission (SCVotes) offers specific voting information for our state including directions to polling locations and accommodations for voters with disabilities. 
• Your Right to Vote includes even more resources to make it easy to educate yourself for any election.  

Organizations Supporting Voters’ Rights

Advocacy and activism are important tools in protecting voters' rights.  

• "Black Voters Matter's goal is to increase power in marginalized, predominantly Black communities. Effective voting allows a community to determine its own destiny."

• "Let America Vote is leading the fight for voting rights."

• "Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy."

• "When We All Vote is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that is on a mission to increase participation in every election and close the race and age voting gap by changing the culture around voting, harnessing grassroots energy, and through strategic partnerships to reach every American."

Books to Read

Start reading today with these curated book lists:

The Power of the Vote

Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy.  This right has not always been guaranteed or given to every citizen.  Discover the history and the people who fought and continue to fight for the power of the vote.  

The Power of the Vote for Families

Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy.  Sharing books together is a great way to introduce our civic responsibility, the history and the power of the vote.  

Your voice matters. Join us for important conversations on voting, the census and community awareness, here. Find more resources on race, equity and inclusion, here, and don't forget to check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.