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September 19, 2008

Interesting Discussion about new technology and voting trends

This morning's MidMorning program on MPR offered an interesting perspective on recent research related to shifting polling practices. Pollster are discussing the validity of their results when they continue to use traditional methods, such as the land line telephone, to reach likely voters. What about all of those people - mostly under the age of 30 - who only have a cell phone?

So do you have a land line - and are you a first time voter?

Link to the program page to hear the show and find links to the research.
The People Behind the Polls

September 14, 2008

Voter Registration / Education Initiative is now live!

Voter registration forms and information guides are now available at 16 library circulation and/or reference desks around campus. "Register to Vote at University Libraries" posters (Download file) will soon be displayed around campus directing users to our libraries.

We have created a staff page and ask that all public service staff read the short Instructions for Registrants guide, be familiar with the Libraries' Guide to the 2008 Elections (all listed under "What will staff need to do?"), and be ready to refer questions to the Secretary of State's office as appropriate. The participating service desks and the instructional materials available at each service point are listed here as well.

To further support the voting effort, the group has designed "how do I vote/why should I vote" bookmarks for wide distribution and developed websites that bring together first time voter information, as well as candidate and library resource information. Please visit the Libraries Voter Registration website and be sure to share this site broadly.

The Libraries Voter Registration group is also partnering with other campus and library organizations. Specific programs and events are in the works, so watch the website listed above for more details.
Thank you to the many library staff who are contributing to this very important outreach effort!