Learn more about books on NYPL's 2020 Election Reading List that are available in accessible formats.

Election Day 2020: Get Informed & Vote

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and The New York Public Library is here to help you find all of the resources you need to be an informed voter. Register to vote in New York State by Friday, October 9.

Learn More

Voting for New Americans

Discover our short guide to voting for newly naturalized U.S. citizens. Around 10% of eligible voters this year are immigrants. Find out how to vote, when to vote, and where to find information on the candidates.

Learn More

  • Find Election Reads on NYPL’s SimplyE App

    Find a selection of books from the 2020 Election Reading List on SimplyE, the Library's free e-reader app that makes it easy to borrow e-books and audiobooks. 

    SimplyE is available on iOS and Android.

    Two hands holding an iPhone with SimplyE illuminated on the screen

  • Multilingual Resources

    Find out which books on the 2020 Election Reading List are available in languages other than English.

    Covers of books from NYPL's 2020 Election Reading List in other languages

  • Download the List

    Download the list for quick and easy access, and use it as a tracker to check off the books you’ve read.

    Collage of NYPL's 2020 Election Reading List downloadable sheets

  • For Teens: Election 2020, Voting, and More

    Voting in federal, state, and local elections is an important act. You’re never too young to get involved and do your part—check out ways below you can get #VoteReady this fall.

    Learn More

  • Power to the Youth

    Wednesday, October 7 | 4:30 PM

    Register now for this town hall conversation about societal changes with community leaders, moderated by library staff.

    Register Now

  • NYPL Recommends: Election Edition

    Wednesday, October 7 | 12:30 PM

    Tune in as our expert librarians take questions from readers about what to read next. Plus, help them welcome a special guest from our research division who will talk about the books featured on our 2020 Election Reading List!

    Learn More

Explore the History of Voting through the Library's Digital Collections

Photograph of Black women suffragists holding sign reading "Head-Quarters for Colored Women Voters," in Georgia
'Black women suffragists holding sign reading "Head-Quarters for Colored Women Voters," in Georgia,' 1910-1920. Johnston's Studio, Columbia, S.C. Photographs and Prints Division, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Historic photo of a Chinese woman casting her first vote next to a man in glasses and a bowler hat.
'Woman suffrage: Chinese girl casting her first vote,' 1912. Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Voter registration at Jacob Riis Park, 1971 Summer
'Voter registration at Jacob Riis Park, 1971 Summer,' 1971. Rich Wandel. Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Historical political cartoon featuring William Howard Taft
'Voter: must I really dance with one of them?,' 1912. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Historic illustration of Black men queuing up to cast their votes beneath an American flag
"The First Vote," 1867. Alfred R. Waud. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Billboards at the corner of Christopher St. and Seventh Ave., Greenwich Village, New York that read: Gay Rights, Register to Vote
'Gay Rights, Register to vote: Billboards at the corner of Christopher St. and Seventh Ave., Greenwich Village, New York,' 1978. Bettye Lane. Manuscripts and Archives Division, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Front cover of an account of the proceedings on the trial of Susan B. Anthony
'An account of the proceedings on the trial of Susan B. Anthony,' 1874. General Research Division, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Historic illustration of people outside a polling place
'A polling-place among the "Lower Twenty",' 1864. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Historic illustration of Freedmen voting In New Orleans
'Freedmen Voting In New Orleans,' 1867. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Photograph of a black and white button that reads: One Man One Vote SNCC
'One man, one vote: SNCC, BU.X.644,' 1960-1980. Art and Artifacts Division, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Historic illustration featuring a serene-looking mother and child on the left and a derogatory image of a woman advocating for voting rights on the right side with text in the middle that reads: Which do you prefer? The home or the street corner for woman? Vote No on Woman Suffrage October 19th
'The home or street corner for woman? Vote no on woman suffrage,' 1978. Thomas Fleming. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Art & Architecture Collection, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Magazine cover for Leslie's The People's Weekly featuring a woman waving a flag that reads: Votes for Women
'Votes for Women,' 1912. General Research Division, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Historic sign in yellow and black that reads: Dead women can't vote, cure aids
'Dead women can't vote. Cure AIDS. Verso: ACT UP. Fight Back. Fight AIDS.,' 1969-1997. Manuscripts and Archives Division, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Historic postcard featuring an illustration of an ornery baby with text that reads: To a suffragette Valentine, Your vote from me you will not get, I don't want a preaching suffragette.
'To a suffragette valentine,' 1910-1919. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.
Historic illustration of a repeat voter in a top hat leaning on a wall
'The repeater,' 1870. John Andrew & Son (wood engraver). The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, The New York Public Library.
Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.

    • Shop the Library, Support the Library

    Show your commitment to voting with our newest accessory line celebrating the power of civic engagement. Find totes, pins, socks, and more urging voters to make their voices heard. Each purchase supports the Library, and select purchases also support PEN America's Free Speech 2020 campaign.

    Explore More