To register to vote for the first time or to update your current registration information, visit govotewv.com
It really doesn’t qualify as one of summer’s traditions, yet.
No, it will never replace the Fourth of July, the county fair, porch sitting, cookouts, vacations, road trips or even catching fireflies.
But since 2002, when the National Association of Secretaries of State established September as National Voter Registration Month, it’s ensuring the election process is not a victim of a “summer slide.”
Many of us probably would rather forget all about 2020’s May 12 primary and the Nov. 3 general elections, but participation is still the cornerstone of democracy.
Noted, National Voters Registration Day falls on Sept. 24, which is the day after fall begins, but in the weeks preceding that date you will be reminded about the importance of voting more than once.
That is, thanks to the West Virginia secretary of state’s office, which hopes to help promote 100 voter registration drives this month.
That effort also hopes to include at least one drive in every county on Sept. 24.
Student groups, universities, nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses and others can get involved by hosting a voter registration drive.
All you need do is go online to submit a form to the secretary of state’s office. It’s available on its website at sos.wv.gov/news/Pages/08-29-2019-A.aspx.
Promotional support and materials, including an organizer’s toolkit, posters and social media graphics, can be accessed at NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org.
Like most things, there’s also no time like the present to verify your registration, your polling location, your current address, change your party affiliation, check deadlines, etc.
That can be readily done by going online at the secretary of state’s website or at your county registration office.
No one needs to be reminded of the importance of the upcoming presidential election and what’s at stake next year.
But it cannot be overstated that voting for any of our political leaders is a privilege — some would say a duty — we enjoy as citizens.
Though so much of life is complicated, registering to vote in West Virginia is simple and straightforward.
No, voting machines and ballots will probably never rise to the level of tourist attractions or ever generate much nostalgia. Neither will the vast majority of politicians who live to run in these elections.
But our country’s election process is a system not only for the ages and all seasons, but for all eligible U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age.
Fortunately, a system we still enjoy to this day.
