Civic Engagement: Home

This guide supports Civic and Social Literacy, an essential set of skills and knowledge to 21st century success according to the PA Library Association's PA Forward program. Learn more about PA Forward at the PA Forward website. 

Civic Literacy and Engagement

Civic and social literacy is defined as the ability to participate in the diverse community discourse that frames our society. Civic knowledge and engagement is crucial to understanding the viewpoints of others and how government policies shape our lives, those of the communities around us, and health care policy. Learning how you can participate and navigate civil society is a critical step in becoming an engaged, information citizen.

Important Civic Engagement Dates

Constitution and Citizenship

• Constitution Day and Citizenship Day: September 17
• Constitution Week - September 17-23

Voting and Registration Dates

Well beyond the quadrennial Presidential Election, elections for federal, state, local offices, and partisan primaries are held frequently and impact laws and legislation surrounding you every day, from who represents you in Congress to how much money is allocated to schools in your district. Click here to learn about the different types of elections.

• National Voter Registration Day: September 20
• General Election Voter Registration Deadline: Varies by state (click link for additional states).
  • Pennsylvania: 15 days prior to Election Day.
  • Maryland: 21 days prior to Election Day.
• Election Day: Varies by year, always the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.
  • Next General Election: Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
  • Next Primary Election: 
    • Pennsylvania: Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
    • Maryland: Tuesday, June 28, 2022.