By Russell Lissau | Daily Herald
A suburban library is taking an unusual approach to educating voters ahead of this year’s primary and general elections.
The Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire has brought in an expert to serve as a political scientist in residence for the election cycle. Alexandra Filindra, an associate professor of political science and psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago, will lead discussions with patrons, write articles for the library newsletter and recommend reading material concerning the election and important issues.
“The American election system is very complicated,” Filindra said. “People don’t know enough about how the sausage is made, so to speak, and that can create confusion and lead to misinformation.”
Illinois voters will find races for county officers, the General Assembly, Congress and the White House — as well as referendums and lesser contests — on ballots for the March 19 primary and the Nov. 5 general election.
The goal of the residency program is to give people information that will allow them to critically evaluate the political discourse “and create more positive feelings and good will about government at a time when cockroaches have greater approval than Congress,” Filindra said.
In addition to her live discussions and articles, Filindra will help the Vernon Area staff create an exhibit that explains the responsibilities of the various levels of government.
Read more here.
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