Everyday Civics

Learn about voting rights — consider civic engagement, how it works, and who gets to participate.

Related reading and more

A more perfect union: the story of our Constitution

Betsy Maestro

American rebels: how the Hancock, Adams, and Quincy families fanned the flames of revolution

Nina Sankovitch

Armies of Deliverance: A New History of The Civil War

Elizabeth Varon

Child of the civil rights movement

Paula Young Shelton

Drawing The Vote: An Illustrated Guide To Voting In America

Tommy Jenkins

I survived the American Revolution, 1776

Lauren Tarshis

Off like the wind!: the first ride of the pony express

Michael P. Spradlin

Separate No More: The Long Road To Brown v. Board of Education

Lawrence Goldstone

The American Revolution: Writings from the War of Independence

The Constitution decoded: a guide to the document that shapes our nation

Katie Kennedy

book cover of snowy mountains with blue sky and sun shinning

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

Ken Burns

The presidents: portraits of history

Leah Tinari

Votes of confidence: a young person’s guide to American elections

Jeff Fleischer

Voter Registration

Are you registered to vote? Find out using the Oregon secretary of State’s My Vote page.

Local elections

Find local and statewide election results, voter turnout, and more through the Josephine County Clerk’s office.

Upcoming elections Election Results and Voter Turnout

Graphic art of a hand putting a paper slip in a voting box

Civil rights, liberties, and the Constitution

Explore political issues, personal freedom, legal protection, and learn about self-government in America.

THE CONSTITUTION ANNOTATED

Understand the Constitution with in-depth analysis and related articles.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MASS MEDIA

Browse numerous articles on communication in the digital age and the importance of credibility.

U.S. HISTORY IN CONTEXT

Explore in-depths articles on historical moments and accomplishments throughout U.S. history.

LEGALTRAC

Research U.S. legal cases, laws, and regulations, as well as some international law.

Library of Congress primary sources

What is a primary source and how do we use them today? Discover the criteria and processes.

Learn more

City government

There are two incorporated areas in Josephine County — the City of Grants Pass and the City of Cave Junction. Both municipalities have a council-manager form of government. Elected by residents, the mayor and councilors volunteer their time to serve our community.

visit the City of Grants Pass the city of Cave Junction

County government

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners is the governing body of the county empowered to adopt ordinances, establish programs, levy taxes, appropriate funds, make appointments, and zone property in the unincorporated area. The three members of the board are elected on a non-partisan basis to serve four-year terms.

With the exception of holidays and other planned recesses, the Board of Commissioners convenes the first, third, and fourth Wednesdays at 9:00 am and the second Wednesday at 5:30 pm at 600 NW 6th Street in Grants Pass. The meetings are open to the public.

Josephine County Board of Commissioners: learn more
Past meeting minutes: Learn more and get involved
Josephine County Clerk: Learn more about local elections

State government

Oregon’s Legislative Assembly is composed of two chambers, House of Representatives and Senate. Explore the Oregon State Legislature and learn more about how government works.

JosephineLINK

Explore local nonprofits and volunteer opportunities through JosephineLINK, the library’s community resource directory gathered by your librarians.

Explore JosephineLINK

Digital Volunteer Transcription Project

Record historical documents, war letters, and diaries and volunteer to transcribe these projects from home.