Librarian
Introduction to Civic Engagement
As a United States citizen, it is your right and civic duty to vote, contact your representatives, and contact other government officials to express your informed opinion on current and potential legislation, national issues, local needs, etc. Use this guide to identify and contact federal, state, local officals.
IMPORTANT BALLOT AND VOTING INFORMATION
- Sample Ballot Lookup from the Denton County Election Administration
- Voter Information from the Texas League of Women Voters
- Vote411.org for additional ballots, candidate and issue information for races and candidates across Texas and the U.S.
Upcoming Elections in Denton
General Election — November 5, 2024
- Last day to Register to Vote – Monday, October 7th, 2024
- Last day to Receive Application for Ballot by Mail – Friday, October 25th, 2024
- Last day to Receive Federal Post Card Application – Friday, October 25th, 2024
More information about this election—including locations, dates, times, and candidates—can be found at the Denton County Elections Office website.
Why Voting and Civic Engagement is Important in the U.S.
Per Dictionary.com, Vote (noun) is defined as
- a formal expression of opinion or choice, either positive or negative, made by an individual or body of individuals.
- the means by which such expression is made, as a ballot, ticket, etc.
- the right to such expression:
In other words, voting is your right to express your opinion on a candidate or an issue. Informed voters play an active role in governance on the federal, state, and local levels.
There is no such thing as not voting. Not showing up to vote has consequences too. Here's how America voted, and didn't, in the 2020 Presidential election, courtesy of The Washington Post. Don't let others decide for you; show up, VOTE, and be a decider.
You're More Powerful Than You Think by
Is this the America you want? If not, here's how to claim the power to change your country. We are in an age of epic political turbulence in America. Old hierarchies and institutions are collapsing. From the election of Donald Trump to the upending of the major political parties to the spread of grassroots movements like Black Lives Matter and $15 Now, people across the country and across the political spectrum are rSycamore Libraryaiming power. Are you ready for this age of bottom-up citizen power? Do you understand what power truly is, how it flows, who has it, and how you can claim and exercise it? Eric Liu, who has spent a career practicing and teaching civic power, lays out the answers in this incisive, inspiring, and provocative book. Using examples from the left and the right, past and present, he reveals the core laws of power. He shows that all of us can generate power-and then, step by step, he shows us how. The strategies of reform and revolution he lays out will help every reader make sense of our world today. If you want to be more than a spectator in this new era, you need to read this book.
ISBN: 9781610397070Publication Date: 2017-03-28
- The Importance of Voting by Hattie Lindellan essay on the importance of voting.
Looking from More?
- Help Yourself Campaign: Civic EngagementContains additional resources and collection highlights to help you learn how to become more aware about voting and civic engagement.
- GenerationNation"Developing a new generation of civic leaders"
- There is No Such Thing as Not VotingA TED Talk by Eric Liu