Bellevue residents ages 16 to over 80 have filled Newport Way Library's free Civics 101 workshops ahead of the November election.

The four-week series, presented by the Washington Secretary of State's Civic Engagement Program, wraps up Tuesday, Oct. 6, with a trivia night. The sessions began Sept. 15 and have covered local, state and federal government. No registration is required, and refreshments are provided.

Public Services Librarian Jordyn Richey said the series responded to a surge of questions about civics, voting and government as the November election approaches. Richey said the library wanted to offer timely information and a welcoming space for discussion and connection.

Residents taking action between sessions

Participants reported talking with families and neighbors about what they learned, particularly about how to attend and speak at Bellevue City Council meetings, engage with local boards and commissions, and influence state-level legislation. Several participants registered to vote or updated their voter registration and asked about Newport Way Library's ballot drop box.

Richey said the workshops have attracted a wide range of attendees, including families with teenagers interested in civic involvement.

"We truly have had a full range of ages from 16 to over 80!" Richey said.

Ballot drop box at Newport Way Library

Newport Way Library is one of 23 King County Library System locations that host ballot drop boxes. King County Elections announced on June 30 that the county had reached 90 total drop boxes, with plans to reach 100 by the November general election. More than 66% of King County voters used a drop box in the November 2025 general election, according to King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski.

The county has an overall 80% voter registration rate among eligible residents age 18 and older.

The Secretary of State's Civic Engagement Program has held nine civic workshops across the state in the past year, partnering with libraries, community organizations and Department of Corrections reentry centers.

How to participate

The final session, Civics Trivia Night, runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Newport Way Library. Prizes will be awarded. Attendance at earlier sessions is not required. KCLS also offers citizenship test preparation classes, multilingual news resources and legal research assistance as part of its broader civic programming.