by Brandon B.

Elections can be an intellectually and emotionally tough subject to discuss. Howard County Library System has resources to help you make an educated decision before heading to the polls in November. Visit any of your local HCLS branches for books, resources, and events to evaluate candidates’ positions on critical issues. Our library collection includes materials from many perspectives and priorities. Many candidates have authored (or co-authored) books.

The upcoming election is crucial to the future of our country, as are all elections. Not only will we elect a new president and vice president, but also the makeup of Congress will change. Locally, we’re voting for our Howard County Board of Education. Attend one of the Speed Date the Board of Education Candidates sessions listed below to meet the people running for these important positions and ask questions.

Misinformation, disinformation, and AI deepfakes make it more important than ever to do your research for fact-based, nonpartisan information from trusted sources. The League of Women Voters publishes a nonpartisan voter guide with information about candidates, ballot questions, and polling places. The Maryland State Board of Elections (elections.maryland.gov) provides answers to frequently asked questions, links to request absentee ballots, forms to sign up to be election judges, and more. FreeState Justice is partnering with HCLS to offer a series of classes about voter rights, voting policies, and other information.

Only 27 percent of Howard County residents voted in the 2022 midterm elections, so take advantage of these resources to prepare and make informed decisions in the voting booth. Exercise your vote this fall – it’s important!

Voter Rights and Current Voting Policies
For teens and adults. Register at bit.ly/voter_rights_HCLS
Gain insight into the voting process with up-to-date information about voter rights, requirements, and more. Learn about recent changes to voting laws, understanding voting districts, determining polling places, same-day registration, and more. Whether you are a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, this seminar is the perfect resource to ensure you are up-to-date with current voting policies and procedures in Maryland.
In partnership with FreeState Justice, a non-profit organization
Fri ,Sep 13 from 4 – 5 pm | HCLS Elkridge Branch
Thu, Sep 19 from 2 – 3 pm | HCLS Central Branch
Thu, Sep 26 from 7 – 8 pm | HCLS Miller Branch (date change)

Speed Date the Board of Education Candidates
Meet the candidates in the Board of Education race at this speed dating style event. Following brief introductions by the candidates, visit each candidate and ask your questions. At the end of five minutes, we will ring a bell, and you will switch tables to visit another candidate. The League of Women Voters will be on hand to help people register to vote and answer questions about the voting process and the election ballot.
In partnership with the League of Women Voters of Howard County.
Saturday, September 21
11 am – 1 pm at HCLS Savage Branch | Districts 3 & 4
3 – 5 pm at HCLS East Columbia Branch | Districts 2 & 3
Saturday, September 28
1 – 3 pm at HCLS Glenwood Branch | District 5
1 – 3 pm at at HCLS Central Branch | District 4
Saturday, October 5
11 am – 1 pm at HCLS Miller Branch | Districts 1 & 5
3 – 5 pm at HCLS Elkridge Branch | Districts 1 & 3

Brandon is a Customer Service Specialist at HCLS Central Branch who loves reading, football, and taking nice long walks around his neighborhood.