Press Release

In anticipation of U.S. Constitution Day (September 17) and National Voter Registration Day (September 19), students at Minnesota State University, Mankato will have the opportunity to become registered voters. From 10:30 AM until 1:30 PM on September 14, a registration table will be located outside of Memorial Library on the campus mall.

The voter registration activity is hosted in collaboration with Library Service, the campus Women’s Center, and the League of Women Voters – St. Peter/Mankato. The League is a nationwide grassroots network and membership organization that believes the freedom to vote is a nonpartisan issue. For more than a century, they have worked to empower voters and defend democracy.

Constitution Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution in 1787 is being celebrated within Memorial Library with book displays highlighting resources that explain the constitution, its history, and information about the signers. One display particularly draws attention to resources provided by the Federal Government about the US Constitution as MSU, Mankato is a part of the Federal Depository Library Program. As part of the celebration the library is offering pocket constitutions, free of charge as long as supplies last.

The Constitution and the right to vote are both integral components of the democratic system in the United States. Both the U.S. Constitution and National Voter Registration Day share a common focus on democratic participation, the right to vote, and the importance of an engaged and informed citizenry. While the Constitution establishes the legal framework for these principles, National Voter Registration Day promotes and facilitates the practical implementation of those principles by encouraging eligible citizens to register and participate in the electoral process.

The main Constitutional amendments that pertain to the right to vote are:

· 15th Amendment (1870): “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

· 19th Amendment (1920): “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

· 24th Amendment (1964): “The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.”

· 26th Amendment (1971): “The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.”

These amendments collectively ensure that citizens cannot be denied the right to vote based on their race, color, sex, tax payment, or age (if they are 18 years or older).

For questions about this event contact Monika Antonelli, Outreach Librarian, at monika.antonelli@mnsu.edu.