To mark National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 22, explore titles that will help kids feel a part of the election buzz—even if they can't vote yet! And don't forget, deadlines to register to vote in New York State are fast approaching. Applications to vote by mail must be postmarked no later than October 9. Find out what you need to know: Election Day 2020: Get Informed & Vote

For some of our youngest patrons, this may be their first election. These tiny citizens can learn about voting rights, the two-party system, and some of our past presidents via picture books. 

Vote for Me by Ben Clanton

So You Want to Be President by Judith St. George, illustrated by David Small

An assortment of facts about the qualifications and characteristics of U.S. presidents, from George Washington to Bill Clinton.

Duck for President by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Having worked his way up from the pond, one determined Duck is out to get the vote of the people during his high-energy campaign to become president.

Let's Vote!: A Fruitful Election Tale by Anita Iaco, illustrated by Chiara Civati

A children's politics and government book that helps young readers learn the value of voting in an election. Follow along as Miss Jenn uses three different fruits to help her students run their own in-class campaigns.

Vote for Our Future! by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by Micah Player

The students of Stanton Elementary School, which is a polling place, find out all they can about voting and then encourage everyone in their neighborhoods to cast their ballots.

See How They Run by Susan E. Goodman, illustrated by Elwood H. Smith

A guide to the presidential election process shows how the electoral college works and how the United States got to where it is today, as well as highlighting some funny stories about the founding fathers.

Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965  by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Shane W. Evans

An elderly African American woman, en route to vote, remembers her family's tumultuous voting history in this picture book publishing in time for the fiftieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Yes, We Can! A Salute to Children from President Obama's Victory Speech by Barack Obama

Excerpts from President Obama's speech emphasize working together to achieve goals as a community.

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!

Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.