It's National Voter Registration Day. The goal is to get as many people as possible to register vote.
According to http://www.nationalvoterregistrationday.org:
"In 2008, 6 million Americans didn't vote because they missed a registration deadline or didn't know how to register. In 2012, we want to make sure no one is left out.
On September 25, 2012, volunteers, celebrities, and organizations from all over the country will "hit the streets" for National Voter Registration Day. This single day of coordinated technology and media efforts will create pervasive awareness of voter registration opportunities--allowing us to reach tens of thousands of voters or more who we could not reach otherwise."
If you would like to discuss the event on social media, the official Twitter hashtag is: #925NVRD
Or, join the WFMY Facebook conversation on whether you should have to have a photo I.D. to vote.
In 2008, more than two million registered North Carolina voters did not vote in the General Election, and between now and election day, News 2 will be campaigning for all our viewers to go out and vote.
The deadline to register to vote in the General Election is October 12, but even if you miss that deadline, you can still vote.
North Carolina has one stop voting that allows you to register and vote on the same day during early voting. From Oct. 18 until Nov. 3, voters can participate in one stop voting if they are not registered.
North Carolina is a swing state in this years' Presidential election, which should give voters extra incentive to exercise their right to vote.
Right now, there is some discussion in parts of the country about whether states should require a photo ID when someone votes. Guilford County Republicans Chair Al Bouldin said, "It would be difficult to function and have a normal life in America without some form of photo id. So, requiring a photo ID, to me, is just a common sense measure."
But, A&T University Political Science Professor James Steele told WFMY News 2, it's not that easy, "It ends up being a poll tax because, for many, people, it becomes cost prohibitive. Trying to document that you are you."
A recent study published in USA Today says voting law changes could make it tough or impossible to vote for as many as ten million Latinos.
Where To Register
Voter registration applications are available at county boards of elections' offices, public libraries, high schools and college admissions offices. Voter registration services are offered at the following agencies:
- North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): A person may complete a voter registration transaction at any driver's license examination office when conducting official DMV business with that office (applying for or renewing a driver's license, I.D. card, etc.).
- Public Assistance Agencies
- Departments of Social Services (DSS)
- Departments of Public Health (WIC)
- Disability Services Agencies
- Vocational Rehabilitation offices
- Departments of Services for the Blind
- Departments of Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
- Departments of Mental Health Services
- Employment Security Commission (ESC)
Voter Registration Forms