Today last chance to register to vote in November’s election

Procrastinators beware: Today is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 2 election.

But have no fear, there are many options available.

To register students can visit the Secretary of State in person, 1245 N. Mission St., or online at www.michigan.gov/sos, the clerk office, 320 W. Broadway St., the state Department of Human Services and voter registration drives.

Brad O’Donnell, College Democrats president and Clinton Township senior, recommends students register to vote at their local Mount Pleasant address because if registering online or at a voter registration drive, first time voting must be done in person, and not by absentee ballot.

“It’s very difficult (to go home and vote),” O’Donnell said. “Most people don’t want to go home on a Tuesday, they have jobs, school obviously, but they can certainly go down the street and vote here.”

College Democrats have held numerous voter registration drives, he said. They have registered approximately 1300 voters.

Travis Faber, first vice chair of College Republicans and Battle Creek senior, said he was unable to comment on how many voters the College Republicans have registered, but does want as many people as possible registered to vote.

“I’m encouraging everyone to get registered before the deadline,” Faber said.

Chris Pankow, a Williamston senior, has voted by both absentee ballot and by going home, but finds it easier to just head home on Election Day.

“There’s a lot of paperwork with absentee,” Pankow said. “It’s a nice time at home.”

To vote by absentee ballot, students must submit an application to their local city or township clerk before 2 p.m. the Saturday preceding the election, Oct. 30 this year. Voting by absentee ballot is an option only available to those who have personally submitted their voter registration application or who have voted in-person in a previous election.

In order to vote in the state of Michigan, applicants must be over the age of 18, a U.S. citizen and a resident of a Michigan city or township for at least 30 days.