by Leah Justice

Polk County residents can register to vote in this election during three drives occurring this month.

Polk County High School students can register on Thursday, Sept. 19 at the school for students who are eligible.

Drives for the general public will be held on Sept. 23 and Sept. 30 at the Polk County Library from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Residents can also register to vote until Oct. 11 this year at the Polk County Board of Elections Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

One stop, or early voting for this year’s Nov. 5 municipal election begins on Oct. 17 and ends on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. All early voting will be done at the Polk County Board of Elections, located on the second floor of the Womack building in Columbus. Residents may also register to vote if they register while early voting. In order to vote on Election Day, Nov. 5, residents must register by Oct. 11 at 5 p.m.

The registration drives are being done this month in response to Gov. Pat McCrory proclaiming September as citizen awareness month.

The governor’s proclamation says that North Carolina has potentially more than 1 million unregistered eligible voters who have lower voter registration and voter participation, and the 100 county board of elections are embarking on an effort to reach those unregistered citizens.

“During the month of September 2013, the state board of elections and the 100 county boards of elections will conduct the 14th statewide voter registration drive during Citizens Awareness Month, pursuant to General Statute 163-82.25; and whereas, by exercising the right to register to vote, citizens of this state can have an impact on the direction of policies affecting North Carolina,” states the proclamation.

In order to register to vote for the upcoming election, residents must be 18 years old by Nov. 5 and have a driver’s license or social security card in order for the board of elections to verify eligibility.

The registration drive at Polk County High School is strictly for high school students.