New research suggests that civic engagement can be associated with worse mental health for youth, but having access to community assets and strong connections can help.
With librarians serving as trusted civic educators, libraries can be spaces for nonpartisan voter registration, for youth-led conversations about issues, and for creating media.
Engaging young people and supporting their electoral participation must happen year-round, and it’s never too early to start with an eye toward 2024.
Many of the states with high youth voter turnout in the 2022 midterm elections had strong policies that make it easier to register and vote.