By Hannah Herrlich, Emerging Technologies Librarian

This year on September 17th, we will observe not one, but two, important days that remind us of the core values of our democracy: National Voter Registration Day and Constitution Day. While each day has its own focus, together, they highlight the importance of civic engagement and the responsibilities we have as citizens in a democratic society.

National Voter Registration Day

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday aimed at encouraging eligible citizens to register to vote. Since its kickoff in 2012, the holiday and its team of thousands of volunteer partners have worked to get more than 5 million Americans registered to vote in time for their next trip to the ballot box. With millions of Americans still unregistered, this day is dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter is ready and able to participate in our elections.

Where Should College Students Register to Vote?

Students attending an out-of-state college have dual residency in both their home state and the state where their school is, but they can only be registered to vote in one state. The rules to vote in each state vary; learn your state’s rules and check out the ALL IN Out of State College Student Voting Guide for guidance on how to proceed with your state’s registration protocols.

Your Vote Matters

It is important to head to the polls as an informed voter. With huge differences in procedures and requirements that vary from state to state, voting can appear to be a daunting task. Thus, in honor of National Voter Registration Day and the forthcoming 2024 presidential election, we proudly present our Voting & Elections Research research guide. This is a great resource available to help make sense of all the political jargon and exercise your right to vote as a confident voter.

Constitution Day

Constitution Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of the United States in 1787. This day honors the framework that outlines the principles of American democracy, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the fundamental rights of citizens. In other words, you might be familiar with the Constitution for its famous, We the People, line- However, this relatively small document is also the supreme law of the United States, serving as the fundamental framework of America’s federal system of government.

The Constitution was written and signed by a group of delegates in 1787 (years after the Revolutionary War was over) and ratified in 1788. (Thomas Jefferson was not present at the Constitutional Convention.) It remains the “supreme law” of the land today.

Both documents were signed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, steps away from where the National Constitution Center now stands.

Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day are not just dates on a calendar—they are reminders of the powerful rights and responsibilities we have as citizens. Remember, it is your constitutional right to vote. Regardless of race (15th Amendment) or sex (19th Amendment), if you are an American citizen, 18 years of age or older (26th Amendment), we hope that you exercise your right to participate in our democracy this Election Day.

By celebrating these days, we honor the past, embrace our rights, and commit to participating actively in shaping the future of our democracy. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this blog post, or anything else library-related, you can always reach out through our 24/7 chat service, Ask a Librarian.