Kendra Germany
Staff writer
With Election Day only a few months away, time is running out to become a registered voter. The deadline for registration is Oct. 12.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau website, census.gov, 29 percent of U.S. citizens under the age of 30 were not registered to vote at the time of the 2008 presidential election.
The Census Bureau also states that citizens between 18 and 24 were the only age group to show a significant increase of voters in 2008, with 49 percent compared to 47 percent in 2004.
Even though more young people showed up at the polls in 2008, there are many college-aged people who are not yet registered to vote in the 2012 election.
According to Linda Fahrendorf, secretary of the Bryan County Election Board, voting is very important.
“Voter apathy can bring down our nation,” said Fahrendorf. “I firmly believe that.”
According to Fahrendorf, everyone’s voice needs to be heard. “If people do not register to vote, in essence they are allowing someone else to vote for them,” said Fahrendorf. “It takes all votes to make a decision.”
Registering to vote is a quick and simple process, according to Fahrendorf.
Anyone who is a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age is eligible to vote.
According to the Oklahoma Election Board website, ok.gov/elections/Voter_Registration, registration in Oklahoma ends 24 days before the election.
There are several ways to register to vote in the Oklahoma. Registration can be done in person at the voter’s county election board, the DMV or by mail.
For county election board locations and information, visit, ok.gov/elections.
Fahrendorf prefers voters registering in person. “It is a whole lot better if they come here or send them directly here because we’ve had instances where we never receive them.”
SE students who are unable to vote where they are registered can vote through absentee ballot.
The Oklahoma Election Board states voters must apply for an absentee ballot by 5 p.m. on the Wednesday before Election Day.
Voters may apply for an absentee ballot by contacting their county election board.
For more information, contact the Bryan County Election Board at 580-924-3228.
News, September 6, 2012