Voting Rights: A history exhibit

Walter W. Stiern Library provides virtual exhibit experience

By California State University, Bakersfield

October 16^th, 2020

As we approach Election Day in less than one month, the Walter W. Stiern Library at California State University, Bakersfield is hosting a new virtual exhibit, “Voting Rights: A History,” showcasing a timeline and the significance of voting rights in the United States.

“The idea for this exhibit was inspired by the upcoming presidential election and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment allowing women to vote,” said Kristen Gallant, outreach and user engagement librarian.

Gallant noted that while curating this virtual exhibit, two key political figures, Congressman John Lewis and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, died.

“Both have legacies that have influenced voting rights in our country,” said Gallant.

The Native Americans Citizenship Act — The Indian Citizenship Act grants citizenship to Native Americans, but many states nonetheless make laws and policies which prohibit Native Americans from voting.

The Voting Rights exhibit will feature a timeline in which viewers can see how voting rights were established, influenced, opposed or supported and legislated from the colonial era up until 2020. The timeline also contains images and linkable content to laws regarding voting rights, primary documents and organizations that safeguard voting rights. Additional resources, including a video section for viewers to watch and share will also be featured, should they choose to view.

As we approach Election Day on November 3, it’s important to have an understanding of why we vote and who gets to vote, as it is an essential part of our civic duties.

“Understanding our history helps to dissolve the cynicism that has developed over voting,” said Gallant. “Many men and women in our country have sacrificed so that following generations had the right to vote. There are still members of our nation that do not have the right to vote in a presidential election.”

The Walter W. Stiern Library is on CSUB’s campus and features online resources, with the purpose of serving as an institution of information and supporting the community by having exhibits, such as this one.

This exhibit will be available through Spotlight on the Walter W. Stiern Library’s website, by clicking on the Virtual Events and Exhibits section on the library’s homepage or by using the direct URL.

“Voting is how we as citizens make our voices heard. It is also how we can be advocates of those who have been disenfranchised of the vote. Voting is one of the ways we participate in our democracy. Institutions of higher learning such as CSUB are creating educated citizens every day. It is one way in which we give back to our community,” said Gallant.