Special to Iredell Free News
The Iredell County Public Library has been selected to host the Smithsonian exhibit “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America.”
Voices and Votes is based on a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.” Content development for Voices and Votes was led by Harry Rubenstein, curator emeritus in the Division of Political History at the National Museum of American History.
“Voices and Votes” has many dynamic features: historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games and additional footage, photos, and information; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material. The exhibit will be on display at the Statesville branch library from April 17 – May 28.
The Statesville library will also be hosting a series of programs during this time centered around voting and democracy:
Q&A with Iredell County Board of Elections member
April 30, 6 p.m.
Details: Have questions about voting in the upcoming elections? Join us and a representative from the Iredell County Board of Elections office for an election info Q&A. Register online at https://bit.ly/iredellboa
Voices and Votes Book Discussion
May 13, 6 p.m.
May 16, 2 p.m.
Details: Join us as we read the first 7 chapters in “What You Need to Know About Voting and Why” by Kim Wehle. Without discussing specific elections or the politics of either party, we’ll look at the mechanics of voting and the necessary steps to be an active participant in the electoral process. Register and collect your copy of the book at the front desk of the Statesville library beginning April 1.
Politics and Newspapers in Iredell County
May 14, 6 p.m.
Details: Before the days of social media and the Internet, newspapers were the primary source of information and gossip, especially in rural areas like Iredell County. Local History Librarian Joel Reese will discuss the variety of newspapers in our county over the years and the role they played in local, regional, and national politics. https://bit.ly/3tVq8lm.
Voter ID Application with the Board of Elections
May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 23, 3 to 7 p.m.
Details: Drop by the library and a Board of Elections official will be able to print you a voter ID. Citizens wishing to receive their ID the same day they request it must be registered to vote in Iredell County beforehand.
Voices and Votes has been made possible in Iredell County by North Carolina Humanities.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. It is based on an exhibition by the National Museum of American History. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the U.S. Congress.