The pandemic highlighted an even greater need for resources in our community and a desire to be more engaged in the democratic process at all levels of government. By partnering with county and community organizations we were able to help residents learn more about local elections and candidates and get connected to businesses and groups that focus on making services available to people in need.

We installed ballot boxes at five libraries and co-hosted six moderated candidate forums. Voters were able to hear from candidates in local races and ask questions. We hosted an event for the unhoused that focused on the gaps in our infrastructure like housing, food insecurity, jobs and healthcare and how to connect to those resources. Additional programming included topics covering the post-pandemic world, women of color activists, a roadmap to voting in 2020 and a video series on ballot proposition pros and cons.

Audience views were excellent during live virtual events and recorded events on Facebook and/or YouTube. The engagement reaffirmed the value that content like this provides to our community and in 2020 having access to balanced and trustworthy information was more important than ever. The events, posted on social media and in our e-newsletter, and the ballot boxes at our libraries demonstrate our priority in civic engagement and our ongoing work with partners who value the same.