{"id":37471,"date":"2018-10-31T20:30:00","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T03:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/opinion\/kcls-supports-citizen-engagement-during-election-season-and-year-round\/"},"modified":"2018-10-31T20:30:00","modified_gmt":"2018-11-01T03:30:00","slug":"kcls-supports-citizen-engagement-during-election-season-and-year-round","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/opinion\/kcls-supports-citizen-engagement-during-election-season-and-year-round\/","title":{"rendered":"KCLS supports citizen engagement during election season and year-round"},"content":{"rendered":"
The first Tuesday in November is election day – a consequential day for our democracy when citizens have a voice in determining the outcome of issues that will impact their lives.<\/p>\n
King County residents made their voices heard in 1942 when they voted to establish the King County Rural Library District. In 2004, voters were heard again when they approved a $172 million capital bond to build, renovate or expand community libraries that will serve them for generations to come.<\/p>\n
Despite what many consider to be one of our most important civic duties, voter turnout can ebb and flow depending on the election cycle, whether it’s a presidential or midterm election, or what measures are on the ballot. According to King County Elections, the average voter turnout by precinct for the 2017 General Election was 43 percent. However, experts believe that voter participation will be greater if citizens are well-informed on issues, have fewer barriers to voting, and feel that their vote matters.<\/p>\n
To that end, KCLS has partnered with King County Elections and the nonpartisan League of Women Voters (LWV) to increase awareness of candidates, issues, and places to vote, and to encourage an active and engaged electorate.<\/p>\n