Because of capacity limitations in our library due to COVID-19, inviting unregistered voters to the library to access and navigate the Board of Elections website while inside our building presented a significant hurdle. Many information events centered around voter registration were happening throughout the city during the same two-week period and we felt it was important to reach people who needed help in person, yet were not going to be comfortable entering a public space due to health or mobility concerns.

We are rethinking the way we use our existing library spaces to assist people while maintaining safe social distance. Our covered parking garage was quickly identified as a protected place where people could drive up for socially distanced voter assistance without having to leave their vehicles. The garage has a one way traffic flow that allows for a car to be stopped in front of the registration desk while another lane allows moving traffic to safely pass.

Our Sunday Facebook post two days before the drive-thru event was shared 22 times, when most of our posts are shared in the single digits. Fifteen people engaged with the drive-thru station, with an additional five driving through giving a thumbs up. All 15 who came through were already registered to vote, but important voter information was given out including early voting sites and dates, how to become a poll worker, locating sample ballots and accessing the Census online.