Letters to the Editor
To the Editor:
National Voter Registration Day has always been a celebration of democracy, but this year, public libraries helped turn it into a historic day for civic engagement. With libraries across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. serving as community hubs, we saw an incredible organization of efforts, reaching millions of potential voters. The results speak for themselves: over 2 million voter registrations were verified, updated, or newly created.
Of those, 820,000 were new or updated registrations, a testament to the reach and influence of our public libraries and their ability to engage local communities.
Even more promising is the surge in youth participation. Of the 310,000 voter registrations from 18-24-year-olds, libraries registered 1 out of every 100 eligible young voters. This milestone sends a clear message; young people care about their futures and are ready to take part, and public libraries provide a welcoming, accessible entry point to the democratic process.
These results are a direct outcome of months of collaboration. Libraries did not just open their doors; they rallied their communities. Over 43,000 staff and volunteers helped run events, partnered with local organizations, and connected directly with citizens who needed assistance navigating the voter registration process. The campaign boasted 152 premier partners and 5,600 community partners, all working together to promote this compelling cause.
This nationwide effort also attracted widespread media coverage. With over 3,200 news stories across national, state, and local outlets, the message of voter empowerment was impossible to miss. National Voter Registration Day even trended in the top 5 on X (formerly Twitter) for most of the workdays leading up to and on the day itself, amplifying the significance of this collective action.
Why is this so important? Because public libraries are trusted spaces within communities. They are places where people feel comfortable asking questions, receiving guidance, and making informed decisions. Libraries bridge gaps by reaching individuals who may be left out of traditional voter registration efforts, whether due to lack of internet access, unclear requirements, or insufficient information.
This year, libraries reaffirmed their role as more than just centers for books and resources — they are pillars of civic participation. National Voter Registration Day showed that when public institutions like libraries take a leadership role, they can activate the full potential of their communities. And when millions of voices are empowered to take part in the democratic system, we all benefit.
The success of this year’s effort is just the beginning. As we look ahead to future elections, the impact of these 2 million registrations — especially the surge in youth participation — will resonate. Public libraries have shown that they are more than ready to take on the challenge of fostering a more engaged and informed voter base. We should all take note of what they have accomplished and continue to endorse their initiatives to support democratic practices in communities.
National Voter Registration Day 2024 was a triumph, and much of that success can be credited to the libraries that continue to serve as the heart of our communities. The road ahead will require ongoing commitment, but if this year’s results are any indication, public libraries are more than capable of rising to the occasion.
Gail Oehler, MLIS
President Oklahoma Library Association
