In a year riven with unforeseen crises and obstacles, Election Day 2020 will likely bring even more. Gathering reliable information about registration deadlines, polling places, and ballot initiatives is important during every election. But the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, social distancing, and a higher volume of mail-in ballots all pose new questions and anxieties for voters.

Back in July, Politico ran an article that echoes this year’s characteristically dystopian tone: “8 Big Reasons Election Day 2020 Could Be a Disaster.” Why? Fewer voters and poll workers may be present at the polls. The U.S. Postal Service may not be able to keep up with the influx of ballots. New technologies and processes may malfunction. Voters may be unaware of a change to their polling place. False information proliferates through social media. And on and on.

Connect with your local libraries for assistance finding information about election concerns, so you can be certain your vote counts.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 4 p.m., the League of Women Voters of Connecticut will host a Voter Information Session via Zoom to address these and other issues. Laura Smits, vice president of voter services, will provide information about registration deadlines, polling place safety, mail-in ballots, and other crucial topics. Attendees will also be able to address specific questions.

You can sign up for these and other digital programs at our website or by calling the Library at (860) 536-7721.

Find accurate voting information from the Connecticut Office of the Secretary of State Denise W. Merrill. You can also find helpful resources about state and local elections from 411.org (also a mobile app) and Ballotpedia.org.

Let’s ensure the fate of the election rests on informed decisions based on these and other reliable resources.

Erik Caswell is the adult services librarian at Mystic and Noank Library.