When you think of fall, you might be more focused on pumpkins and foliage than ballot boxes and “I voted!” stickers. But with free civic resources from Johnson County Library, it’s easy to stay informed for election season and dive into how government works.
Learn about government and current events
Understanding the issues that affect our communities starts with reliable information. The Library offers access to nonpartisan resources that can help you explore government, research important topics and develop a better understanding of the world around you.
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Issues & Controversies: Explore current issues in government, business, education, society and more. Articles provide key facts, historical context and balanced perspectives.
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Gale Primary Sources: Includes bills, briefs, correspondence, court documents and newspaper
clippings. Collections such as “Making of Modern Law: American Civil Liberties Union Papers” cover censorship, civil rights, civil liberties and issues relating to the U.S. Supreme Court. -
Kansas City and Regional Newspapers: Find full-text articles from newspapers throughout the Kansas City area and Midwest, including current and historical coverage from publications such as The Kansas City Star, The Manhattan Mercury, The Topeka Capital-Journal, Lawrence Journal-World and Olathe Daily News.
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NewsBank Hot Topics: Get a quick overview of major news topics, with links to related articles, blogs, videos and more from the Access World News collection.
Pick up a pocket Constitution
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is celebrated every year on Sept. 17. The day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution and recognizes the importance of citizenship.
Johnson County Library has commemorative pocket Constitutions available at all locations. A pocket Constitution is a convenient way to explore the nation’s founding document and the amendments that have shaped American government and civic life.
Find election resources
National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 15. This nonpartisan civic holiday encourages voter registration and participation. Even if you’re already registered, it’s a good time to confirm your information is current, especially if you’ve moved or updated other personal details. The Library offers resources to help residents find voter registration information, research candidates and ballot issues, and learn about voting procedures.
Research candidates and ballot issues
The Library provides access to several online tools that can help you find election information and better understand your ballot, including:
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Vote Smart: Research politicians’ biographies, positions, voting records and campaign donors.
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Vote411: Find nonpartisan information about candidates and ballot measures, upcoming debates and personalized election information from the League of Women Voters.
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Open States: Find your legislators and track how they vote on bills that matter to you.
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Johnson County Post: Read local news covering elections, government, schools, events and business in Johnson County.
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The Voter Network: Use your address and party affiliation to research your ballot and find plain-language explanations of ballot measures.
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KSVotes.org: Access online voter registration and advance ballot applications through this nonpartisan, nonprofit resource.
Hear from candidates
Want to learn more about the people running for office? Johnson County Library is partnering with the Johnson County Post to host a series of public candidate forums. These events give residents the opportunity to hear directly from candidates in several local races and learn more about the issues that matter to our communities.
Upcoming forums
Kansas House — Northwest Johnson County
Thursday, Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m.
Monticello Library
Kansas House — Northeast Johnson County
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m.
Leawood Pioneer Library
Kansas House — Central Johnson County
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6-8 p.m.
Lenexa City Center Library
Board of County Commissioners and Chair
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m.
Central Resource Library
Kansas House — Southeast Johnson County
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m.
Blue Valley Library
Your civic resource
Johnson County Library offers resources year-round to help you stay informed and participate in civic life. Explore these resources online or visit your local branch to learn more. Find more information at jocolibrary.org.
